As Israel resumes its genocide in ‘full force’, thousands have taken to the streets across the country to demand an end to the violence against Palestinians

London – Louis Bailey

With half a day’s notice, over 3,000 protesters took to the streets of London against Israel’s renewed genocide of the Palestinian people which killed 400 Palestinians overnight. A large proportion of the causalities were children and the elderly, a key characteristic of Israel’s targeting.

People were rightfully angry as this genocide can only continue with the direct involvement of our government. Speakers and protesters made connections between Starmer’s planned cuts to PIP for disabled people to fund military spending – which will be used, among other things, to kill Palestinians.

The message was clear to Keir Starmer that we are not going away. The charges brought against the leadership of the movement as an attempt to stop our protests have only strengthened our solidarity. We will be on the streets until this genocide is over and Palestine is free.

An emergency demonstration has been called on Saturday 22 March at 12.30pm outside the Israeli Embassy. Be there and call to End the Genocide, Ceasefire Now!

London – Lynn Hemming

On Tuesday evening, Zionist protesters attempted to disrupt a meeting that UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese was speaking at in UCL. A counter-protest organised by UCL Action for Palestine, Jewish Network for Palestine saw 150-200 students and activists assemble outside the building, join hands and surround the entrance

The 6 Zionist protesters were across the road at Bedford Square, a couple did come over to where we were, but they didn’t get past the stewards. There was a heavy police presence. The meeting went ahead as planned and protesters from Downing Street marched up to join the UCL counter-protest in time for the end of the event when Francesca Albanese was leaving.

Bristol – Lauren Simmonds

On Wednesday we were back outside Barclays in Bristol’s city centre, a familiar site, subjected to a consistent campaign of protest and direct action over the last 17 months for its complicity in the genocide of Palestine.

The atmosphere was heavy, sombre. Another emergency rally in response to yet another massacre carried out by Israel, with consent from the Trump administration and silence from our own government and mainstream media.

Passionate and unified speeches from all aspects of our community left us with a feeling of defiance and a message of ‘Welfare not Warfare.’ From Bristol Palestinian Voices, Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Stop The War, BDS, Trade Unionists, Healthcare workers and Students, we all stand in solidarity for Palestine and beyond.

Keir Starmer and David Lammy take note, we’re not going anywhere.

Edinburgh – Peter Gavine

In response to the shameful breach of the Israeli/Gaza ceasefire, over 50 trade unionists and activists gathered at the Duke of Wellington statue to protest. Speeches were made by representatives from EIS, GGEC, Educators for Peace, and Stop the War. Whilst there was some tension with non-sympathetic members of the public trying to bully us into silence, our resolve stood strong, as it will until Gaza is free.

Manchester – Senay Nyang

In Manchester, Stop the War supported the emergency protest held on Tuesday evening in response to the renewed violent bombing of Gaza. A crowd of approximately 150 people came together at short notice.

The absence of otherwise present banners emphasised the shock and horror of the participants.
Solidarity from Manchester to Palestine, utter condemnation of our government for not just their complicity but participation in a genocide.

Glasgow – Steven McWilliam

Meeting at the steps of Buchanan gallery on Wednesday evening, hundreds of people gathered to demonstrate against the most recent breaking of the Gaza ceasefire. Different groups across the left came together in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

One of the speakers was a Glasgow University student who was involved in the campus occupation who spoke of the response and escalation from Police Scotland threatening the student movement with arrest. Different speakers made passionate arguments against the UK government’s complicity in this genocide. The energy was one of resistance and defiance against the systems of imperialism we are here to rail against.

Preston – Michael Lavalette

Over 100 people attended the emergency rally in Preston City Centre on Tuesday evening. The rally was addressed by local trade unionists and community leaders and agreed a local march and rally on 6 April.