Huge demonstrations across UK call for peace in the Holy Land

Image ICN/JS

Campaigners of all faiths and none joined peaceful protests in cities across the UK on Saturday, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Addressing a massive crowd in London, Husam Zomlot, Head of the Palestinian Mission to the United Kingdom said: "This is an historic moment, a moment where we choose between darkness or light, between the barbaric exercise of power or the moral guidance of law."

Catholic Palestinian Rami Shomali, a London-based IT specialist who comes from Beit Sahour near Bethlehem, brought a large banner (pictured) with the slogans: 'Pray For Peace & Act For Justice - Christians Stand With Gaza'. He told ICN: "I'm disappointed at the lack of support from Christians in the UK."

Dr Andrew Mayersen, a Jewish NHS doctor said: "It's time to end the bombing. It's time to stop burying our children. It's time to bring the hostages home. It's time to end the occupation. It's time for Israel to secure its future. It's time for Palestine to be free. That's why as a Jew I marched today for a Free Palestine."

Friends of Al Aqsa tweeted: "Half a million people marched through central London for #Palestine today, making this the BIGGEST Palestine march in British History. We want an END to the brutal bombardment of #Gaza, we want an END to the illegal siege, we want an END to Israel's apartheid and occupation of Palestine. Today's that's why 500,000 of us came to the streets."

Kensington and Chelsea councillor Emma Dent Coad described the march as "very moving". She tweeted: "Extraordinary turnout today at #FreePalestine march, possibly 500,000. Very moving testimonies from Gaza families and campaigners, some in tears listening, unsurprisingly. There is no justification for carpet bombing civilians."

Protests also took place in Manchester, Glasgow, Belfast and other cities.

LINK

Pax Christi: https://paxchristi.org.uk/campaigns/israel-and-palestine/