Pro-Palestinian protests target London government offices

Demonstrators accuse the UK govt of complicity in Gaza violence, calling for a full arms embargo

LONDON:

Pro-Palestinian protesters in London staged demonstrations on Thursday at the Foreign Office and the Department for Business and Trade, demanding an immediate halt to arms exports to Israel. The protests aimed to show solidarity with Palestinians amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

A group gathered outside the Foreign Office, waving Palestinian flags, blocking the entrance, and chanting slogans to call for the UK to cease supplying arms to Israel.

Protesters accused the government of complicity in the violence in Gaza, where over 44,300 people have reportedly been killed in Israeli attacks since 7 October 2023.

A separate protest took place at the Department for Business and Trade, with demonstrators voicing similar demands against continued arms exports. Under heavy police presence, at least two protesters were arrested when the groups began marching.

Speaking to Anadolu, Micha, one of the protesters, criticised the UK government, claiming it was complicit in violations of international law in Gaza. "Enough is enough," she said, calling for a complete arms embargo on Israel.

Another protester, Dan, identified as Jewish and a descendant of Holocaust survivors, condemned the violence in Gaza, emphasising that it contradicts the principle of "never again." He highlighted the urgent need to stop arms supplies, alleging that a child dies in Gaza every 10 seconds.

In September, the UK government suspended 30 of its 350 arms export licences to Israel after a review determined a significant risk that certain exports could be used to violate international humanitarian law.

The suspension included components for military aircraft, drones, and targeting systems but excluded components for the F-35 fighter jet programme.

Israel’s intensified military campaign in Gaza, following a Hamas attack in October 2023, has resulted in extensive casualties, with most victims reportedly being women and children.

Over 104,000 people have also been injured, and the conflict has drawn widespread international condemnation.

Critics, including officials and institutions, describe the situation as a deliberate attempt to destroy a population, compounded by restrictions on aid deliveries.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its actions in Gaza.