Saturday 26th July saw another wave of protests in Britain against the military aggression of the Israeli state, who have continued their criminal attacks on the innocent people of Gaza. We publish here brief reports of two of the demonstrations in the UK from Socialist Appeal supporters in London and Newcastle.
Saturday 26th July saw another wave of protests in Britain against the military aggression of the Israeli state, who have continued their criminal attacks on the innocent people of Gaza. We publish here brief reports of two of the demonstrations in the UK from Socialist Appeal supporters in London and Newcastle.
London
On Saturday there was another march and rally in London in protest against Israel’s attack on Gaza, which has now led to over 1000 Palestinian deaths.
This marks the third week running of demonstrations in London against the Israeli state’s military aggression. This week’s protest was perhaps the biggest yet, with police estimates of 45,000; it is likely that considerably more were present.
Demonstrators gathered outside the Israeli embassy in Kensington before marching to Downing Street and Parliament Square. The majority present on the march were Arab and Muslim youth, many of whom were likely attending their first protest. The radicalisation and anger surrounding this issue was evident. Such was the enthusiasm of the youth present that when the official placards ran out, people were asking if they could make more using our Gaza posters.
Socialist Appeal supporters were present, putting forward slogans of:
- End the occupation! Hands off Gaza!
- For a second Arab revolution!
- For a socialist federation of the Middle East!
Newcastle
Around a thousand people demonstrated in Newcastle against the illegal Israeli invasion of Gaza. The demonstration, which was called by the Newcastle Unites for Gaza campaign, attracted a very diverse range of people.
Significantly for Newcastle, there was a large contingent from the Asian and Muslim community, alongside trade unionists and a good turnout of young people, particularly Asian and Muslim youth. The mood of the youth in particular was militant and determined. It is evident that the attack on Gaza has made a deep impact internationally.
The message from the slogans and speakers was clear – there is unanimous opposition to this grossly one sided war. Speaker after speaker reinforced the message.
A tiny handful of about 15 EDL racists attempted to disrupt the day, perversely, sieg heiling and waving an Israeli flag, at different points along the march and rally. They were given short shrift by passers-by and were drowned out by the demonstrators when they tried to chant. The anti-Muslim nature of the EDL chants contrasted directly with the internationalism of the Newcastle Unites for Gaza demonstration.
Socialist Appeal supporters participated in the march and rally. The headlines in the latest issue of Socialist Appeal were very well received. Ultimately it is only class struggle in Palestine and in Israel itself that can solve the crisis. The main enemies of both the Palestinian and the Israeli workers are imperialism and the Israeli ruling class.
- Stop the attack on Gaza. Stop the bombing. End the occupation.
- For a Socialist Federation of the Middle East.
