Thousands of people showed their support for the Palestinians at a rally in London. The police imposed strict guidelines. Several BBC buildings were attacked with paint.
Thousands of people took part in a pro-Palestinian demonstration in London. The crowd marched to the government district of Whitehall with Palestinian flags. A stage was set up near the cordoned-off Downing Street, the official residence of the British Prime Minister.
Former Labor leader Corbyn spoke at the pro-Palestinian demonstration.
The British government’s support for Israel was criticized in chants and on protest posters. Former Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn called on politicians to condemn Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip. More than 1,000 police officers were on duty.
Attacks on BBC buildings
The Metropolitan Police had previously warned that anyone who deviated from the agreed protest route or displayed symbols of Hamas, which is banned as a terrorist organization, would be arrested. The starting point of the demonstration was the BBC headquarters, which had been daubed with red paint during the night.
A pro-Palestinian group claimed responsibility for the paint attacks on BBC buildings.
The pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action claimed responsibility for the attack. The blood-red color symbolizes that the BBC, with its biased reporting, is complicit in Israel’s “genocide” of the Palestinian people, according to an article on the short message service X. A BBC building in Liverpool was also attacked with paint.
Thousands dead after major attack
After Hamas’ major attack on Israel, the Israeli army has put the Gaza Strip under constant fire and is threatening a ground offensive. More than 1,300 people have been killed by Hamas fighters in Israel, and over 2,200 people have died in the Gaza Strip so far. In addition, tens of thousands are on the run in the Gaza Strip, which Israel has cut off from water, electricity and food supplies.
Across Europe, mostly Muslim people are demonstrating against Israel and for the Palestinians. In Berlin, for example, there were also celebrations after the Hamas atrocities in Israel. This was condemned across party lines.
Today in Germany, demonstrations of solidarity for both Israel and the Palestinians took place – however, several pro-Palestinian rallies were banned due to security concerns, possible anti-Semitic statements or glorification of violence.