Thousands of pro-Palestine demonstrators flooded the streets outside the UK Prime Minister’s Office in central London on Tuesday in a powerful “emergency protest” against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans, the crowd condemned UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for allowing Herzog’s three-day visit, accusing him of complicity in Israel’s ongoing genocidal war in Gaza, which has claimed over 64,000 Palestinian lives since October 2023.

The protesters, joined by activists, community leaders, and concerned citizens, demanded Herzog’s immediate arrest, accusing him of aiding and abetting Israel’s indiscriminate killings of civilians in Gaza. Chants of “Keir Starmer, you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide” echoed through the streets, alongside signs branding Herzog as the “genocide president.” The demonstration highlighted the growing global outrage against Israel’s military campaign, which has reduced Gaza to rubble, displaced millions, and pushed the enclave to the brink of famine.

Herzog’s visit, which includes meetings with Starmer, UK lawmakers, public figures, and media representatives, has sparked widespread condemnation. Dozens of British MPs have publicly urged Starmer to cancel the meeting, citing Israel’s relentless assaults on Gaza and the immense suffering inflicted on Palestinian civilians. A letter signed by numerous lawmakers expressed deep concern over the decision to host Herzog, calling it a betrayal of the UK’s commitment to human rights.

Global Condemnation Grows

The London rally is part of a broader wave of international protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza. Since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024 for war crimes and crimes against humanity, global calls for accountability have intensified. Countries such as South Africa, Ireland, and Spain have taken bold steps, with South Africa leading a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In recent weeks, mass protests have erupted in cities like Dublin, Madrid, and New York, demanding an end to Israel’s military campaign and justice for Palestinian victims.

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have repeatedly documented Israel’s violations of international law, including the targeting of civilian infrastructure, hospitals, and schools. The United Nations has warned that Gaza faces an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, with over 1.9 million people displaced and critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.

A Cry for Justice

Protesters in London vowed to continue their demonstrations throughout Herzog’s visit, calling for the UK government to issue an arrest warrant for the Israeli president. “Herzog’s presence here is an insult to every Palestinian who has lost their home, their family, their life,” said Amina, a 34-year-old protester holding a sign that read, “Stop the Genocide in Gaza.” “Starmer must act now—arrest Herzog and show the world that the UK stands against war crimes.”

The rally underscored the deepening global divide over Israel’s actions, with growing numbers of people rejecting diplomatic niceties in favor of urgent action. As Gaza’s death toll continues to climb and the enclave faces famine, the international community faces increasing pressure to hold Israeli leaders accountable and demand an immediate ceasefire. (ILKHA)