More than 500,000 people took to the streets in London to express their opposition to the UK government’s continued support of Israel. The march commemorated 77 years since the Nakba of 1948 and called for the UK to pressure Israel to stop the ethnic cleansing which continues to this day. Many of those marching highlighted the current massacres of innocent civilians, and the starvation inflicted on two million Gazans because humanitarian aid has not been allowed to enter since March.
ICAHD UK supporters were determined to be there to raise high our banners and distribute hundreds of our flyers. As always, we were part of the swelling numbers within the Jewish bloc with their message of “not in our name”.
Many families with young children and people from a range of ethnicities were part of this peaceful march. Students, trade unionists, medics and other peace and justice groups were there in abundance. Some had travelled from as far away as the north of England and Wales.
Scottish historian William Dalrymple, author and of Empire podcast fame, delivered a powerful speech condemning Britain’s historic role in the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. He said, "British people are not taught the dark history of our responsibility for this mess."
Amongst the many other speakers were Hussam Zomlot, Palestinian ambassador, Apsana Begum MP and Shawan Jabarin, Director, Al-Haq human rights organisation, Ramallah.
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