Free Palestine protesters march on Israeli embassy as '150,000' join rally
| Published date | 15 May 2021 |
| Publication title | Daily Mirror, The: Web Edition Articles (London, England) |
Organisers say "immediate action" is needed by the UK Government to help end the "brutal" violence against the Palestinian people.
Crowds reportedly stretch back to Bayswater Road from Kensington High Street and number 150,000, organisers claim.
Husam Zumlot, Palestinian ambassador to the UK, told crowds: "This time is different. This time we will not be denied any more. We are united. We have had enough of oppression.
"Today we are saying enough, enough with the complicity. Thank you for standing with us."
The Metropolitan Police said "officers are on site and continue to engage with those taking part in the demonstration".
While marching to the Israeli embassy, demonstrators chanted “free, free Palestine,” and held banners calling for an end to the bombing of the territory by Israeli forces.
One video shows protestors standing on the roof of Marble Arch Tube station as crowds continued to grow.
Huge crowds of protesters arrived outside the gates of the Israeli embassy in Kensington at around 1.30pm.
A temporary stage has been set up on Kensington High Street and organisers have urged people to keep moving down the road as numbers continue to swell.
Dozens of police officers are lining nearby streets.
Former shadow home secretary Diane Abbott told crowds they were part of a “worldwide movement for justice”.
“We must remember we are part of an international movement,” she said.
“This is a worldwide movement for justice.
“Palestinian people are having their land seized … and they are now being killed in their homes.
“All of this is illegal.”
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told the crowds that international action provides “succour, comfort and support” to those suffering in the conflict.
Crowds chanted “oh, Jeremy Corbyn” and threw roses as he took to the stage.
“Think what it’s like being a mother or father and seeing a building bombed in front of you, knowing your family is in there, and you can do nothing,” said Mr Corbyn.
“It’s our global voices that will give succour, comfort and support in those settlements alongside Gaza and all over the West Bank, East Jerusalem who are suffering at this time.
“End the occupation now. End all the settlements now and withdraw then. End the siege of Gaza now.”
Other speakers outside the Israeli embassy were Labour MP Zarah Sultana and rapper...
To continue reading
Request your trial