Why it matters:
The protest reflects growing public anger in Britain over a two-year-long Israeli campaign of “genocide” in Gaza and voices their opposition to Israeli policies and British governmental support for the Israeli regime, highlighting global concerns over the crisis in Palestine.
The big picture:
While two years have passed since the start of the Israeli war on Gaza, protests have intensified in the U.K., challenging the prevailing narratives surrounding support for Israel. Students are urging an end to the apartheid and the genocide, igniting debate over the role of U.K. foreign policy in the matter. Protests against Israel’s actions in Palestine unfolded at various universities across the U.K., despite police warnings and threats. Starting at 2 p.m. local time, students organized rallies to oppose the Israeli regime's genocide in Palestine and the U.K. government’s support for it. Reports from Iran Press indicate that students from London universities abandoned their classes to join the protest, waving Palestinian flags and speaking out against the Israeli regime and its backers.
What they are saying:
"We are demanding an end to the occupation of Palestine," stated a student protester. "Israel is a terrorist regime," they added, echoing sentiments widely shared during the demonstrations.
Shouting slogans like "Israel is a terrorist regime" and "From the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, Palestine must be free," they called for an end to Western governments' support for the genocidal regime and stressed the importance of boycotting companies that support Israel.
Key points:
- The U.K. government has attempted to prevent these pro-Palestine demonstrations.
- Protests were not limited to London; universities in cities like Glasgow, Manchester, Bristol, Sheffield, and Edinburgh also witnessed rallies involving students and professors supporting Palestine.
- The Guardian further noted that 500 pro-Palestinian supporters were arrested in London last Saturday.
- Over 67,000 Palestinians have reportedly died as a result of the ongoing military actions.
- Diverse voices, including Jewish demonstrators, are calling for an end to Israeli occupation.
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