An estimated quarter of a million join London march marking three years of genocide in Gaza
The Palestinian Forum in Britain (PFB) estimates that more than a quarter of a million people took part in a major demonstration in central London on Saturday, marking the third anniversary of Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza. Protesters called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s Government to impose a complete and immediate arms embargo on Israel.
The demonstration was organized by the Palestine Coalition, comprising the Palestinian Forum in Britain, Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), Muslim Association of Britain (MAB), Stop the War Coalition, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) and Friends of Al-Aqsa.
The march set off from Victoria Embankment and passed through central London before concluding with a rally and sit-in on Whitehall, near Downing Street. Participants carried Palestinian flags and placards demanding an end to British arms supplies to Israel and accountability for its crimes.
Chants of “Free Palestine”, “Stop Arming Israel”, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” and “Stop the genocide” rang out along the route. Students, healthcare workers, trade unionists, academics and artists joined the demonstration.
Participants demanded a full ban on exports of weapons and military aircraft components to Israel, arguing that partial restrictions are insufficient while British-made components continue to reach the battlefield. They also called on the government to recognize formally that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and to turn expressions of sympathy into practical action.
Speakers included former Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn MP, John McDonnell MP and Zarah Sultana MP, alongside actor Khalid Abdalla and Dr Omar Abdel-Mannan, representing Health Workers for Palestine. UNISON general secretary Andrea Egan, PSC’s incoming director Aimee Shalan and Palestinian journalist Hala Hanina also addressed the rally, together with representatives of the organizing groups.
PFB Chairman Adnan Hmidan participated in the demonstration and spoke at the protest.
Speakers stressed that the continued mobilization after three years demonstrated the breadth of solidarity with Palestine and sustained public pressure on the government to change its policies towards Israel. Participants expressed optimism and determination, viewing the turnout as a clear message that the campaign would continue until its demands were met.
The London demonstration coincided with the Global Alliance for Palestine’s call for an international day of solidarity. Actions were called in hundreds of cities across more than 60 countries, with over 200 organizations participating in the wider mobilization.
PFB reiterated the coalition’s demands for an end to the arms trade with Israel, the suspension of military and intelligence support that facilitates violations of international law, unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza, and action to stop British institutions and businesses supporting occupation and settlement activity.
The protest continued the series of national marches organized by the Palestine Coalition since October 2023. PFB thanks everyone who took part and urges supporters to maintain pressure through campaigning and engagement with their elected representatives. The campaign for Palestinian freedom and justice must continue.
