https://arab.news/4kwcy
- Chants of ‘shame on you’ at smaller pro-Israel counter-demonstration
- Airstrikes against Gaza have killed dozens, including children
LONDON: Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters rallied outside the UK prime minister’s official residence in central London on Tuesday, demanding that Israel cease airstrikes against the Gaza Strip that have killed dozens of people, including children.
They were met by a small counter-demonstration of pro-Israel supporters. The pro-Palestinian march was attended by prominent British political figures including Jeremy Corbyn, former leader of the main opposition Labour Party.
Earlier that day he tweeted: “Deliberately provocative attacks on the Al-Aqsa mosque and the ongoing home invasions (in) Sheikh Jarrah have led to horrendous violence in Jerusalem. As the occupying power, the Israeli government has it in its gift to rectify the current situation and not exacerbate it.”
Videos emerged of clashes between the two opposing groups and with police after officers tried to separate them.
The pro-Palestinian crowd chanted “shame on you” at the pro-Israel counter-protest. Armed police, meanwhile, have been deployed to guard the Israeli Embassy in London.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday tweeted: “I am urging Israel and the Palestinians to step back from the brink and for both sides to show restraint. The UK is deeply concerned by the growing violence and civilian casualties and we want to see an urgent de-escalation of tensions.”