More than 250,000 people took to the streets of central London on Saturday to express solidarity with Palestinians and demand an immediate, comprehensive arms embargo on Israel, marking three years since the war on Gaza began, according to the Palestinian Forum in Britain (PFB).

The demonstration, organized by the Palestine Coalition, brought together pro-Palestinian campaigners, politicians, healthcare workers, trade unionists, students, academics and artists, all calling on the British government to end military support for Israel and take concrete action over its conduct in Gaza.

The coalition includes the Palestinian Forum in Britain, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the Muslim Association of Britain, the Stop the War Coalition, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and Friends of Al-Aqsa.

The march began at Victoria Embankment, passed through central London and concluded with a rally and sit-in on Whitehall, near Downing Street. Demonstrators carried Palestinian flags and placards demanding an end to British arms supplies to Israel and accountability for alleged violations of international law.

Chants of “Free Palestine,” “Stop Arming Israel,” “Stop the Genocide” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” echoed through the streets as demonstrators called for an end to the devastation in Gaza and a just future for the Palestinian people.

Protesters demand a complete arms embargo

A central demand of the demonstration was a full ban on British arms exports to Israel, including weapons, military aircraft components and other equipment that could contribute to military operations.

Protesters argued that partial restrictions were insufficient while British-made components could still reach the battlefield. They urged the government to end military and intelligence support that, they said, could facilitate violations of international law.

Demonstrators also called on Britain to formally recognize that Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide, ensure unrestricted humanitarian access to the besieged territory and take action against institutions and businesses supporting Israel’s occupation and settlement activities.

Speakers emphasized that expressions of concern over Palestinian suffering must be accompanied by concrete political and economic measures.

Politicians, healthcare workers and campaigners address rally

Among those addressing the gathering were former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, MPs John McDonnell and Zarah Sultana, actor Khalid Abdalla and Dr Omar Abdel-Mannan, representing Health Workers for Palestine.

UNISON General Secretary Andrea Egan, incoming Palestine Solidarity Campaign director Aimee Shalan and Palestinian journalist Hala Hanina also spoke, alongside representatives of the organizing groups.

Adnan Hmidan, chairman of the Palestinian Forum in Britain, participated in the march and addressed demonstrators.

Speakers highlighted the persistence of the Palestine solidarity movement since October 2023, saying continued mass mobilization reflected sustained public opposition to the war and growing pressure on the British government to change its policy toward Israel.

Participants expressed determination to continue campaigning until their demands for an end to arms supplies, accountability and Palestinian freedom were addressed.

London march part of global solidarity campaign

The demonstration coincided with a call by the Global Alliance for Palestine for an international day of solidarity. According to the organizers, actions were planned in hundreds of cities across more than 60 countries, involving more than 200 organizations.

The London protest was the latest in a series of national demonstrations organized by the Palestine Coalition since October 2023.

The PFB reiterated its calls for an end to the arms trade with Israel, the suspension of military and intelligence assistance that could facilitate violations of international law, unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza and measures against activities supporting occupation and settlement expansion.

Organizers thanked those who participated and urged supporters to maintain pressure through public campaigning and engagement with elected representatives.

As the Palestinian people continue to face the consequences of Israel’s military campaign and decades of occupation, the demonstration sent a renewed message from the streets of London: supporters of Palestine intend to keep demanding justice, freedom and an end to British military support for Israel. (ILKHA)