22 October,2023 12:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
People take part in a `March For Palestine`, at Trafalgar Square, in London on October 21, 2023, to "demand an end to the war on Gaza". Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP
Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched through a rainy London on Saturday, demanding an end to Israel's bombardment of Gaza as the Israel-Hamas conflict reached its third week. Similar calls were heard in cities worldwide.
On a day when some aid trickled into Gaza, where over a million people have been displaced due to the conflict, protesters gathered at Marble Arch near London's Hyde Park before marching to Whitehall, the government district.
London police estimated the crowd at up to 100,000. Participants, waving Palestinian flags and chanting "Stop bombing Gaza," called for an end to Israel's blockade and airstrikes, which were initiated following a Hamas incursion into southern Israel.
In Gaza, authorities report over 4,300 people killed since the war's beginning. In Israel, more than 1,400 have lost their lives, mainly civilians during Hamas' incursion on October 7.
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Israel continued its bombardment of Gaza ahead of a potential ground offensive. However, some relief came when 20 humanitarian aid trucks were allowed to enter Gaza via the southern Rafah border crossing with Egypt.
The conflict has raised tensions globally, affecting both Jewish and Muslim communities. British Transport Police are investigating after footage emerged of a London Underground driver leading passengers in a "Free, free Palestine" chant over the subway intercom. British authorities have urged demonstrators to consider the impact on the Jewish community. Reports of antisemitic offenses in London have surged, with anti-Muslim crimes also on the rise.
Also read: Israel bombs mosque in occupied West Bank; intensifies attacks on Gaza Strip
While there have been some incidents of disorder and hate speech during protests, the majority have been peaceful, according to police.
Pro-Palestinian protests also took place in Belfast and Londonderry, with calls for an immediate ceasefire. Thousands marched in Dublin, while in France, demonstrations were held in multiple cities, including Rennes, Montpellier, Dijon, and Lyon. In Germany, almost 7,000 people participated in a peaceful pro-Palestinian demonstration in Düsseldorf, while authorities banned a pro-Palestinian event in Berlin due to concerns of violence and hate speech.
Pro-Israel demonstrations have been held worldwide as well, many focused on securing the return of hostages captured by Hamas. In Rome, the Jewish community remembered over 200 people believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza with a symbolic Shabbat table outside the city's main synagogue.
Thousands of demonstrators in Barcelona and Kosovo showed their support for Palestine, while protests were reported in numerous countries, including Australia, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, Morocco, and South Africa.
In New York, protesters from various groups marched to Senator Kristen Gillibrand's office, demanding an immediate ceasefire. Demonstrations also took place in downtown Los Angeles. (With inputs from AP)
