A man from Newark joined tens of thousands of people over the weekend in calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The pro-Palestinian demonstration, organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, was the latest in a series of marches calling for an end to hostilities in Gaza since Israel began its campaign to eliminate those responsible for the the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas fighters, which left 1,200 people dead and 253 others taken hostage.
However, since the conflict began five months ago the Palestinian people have bore the brunt of the the destruction with large swathes of the population displaced and an estimated 30,000 civilians killed.
The London protest made its way from Hyde Park Corner to the US Embassy, and came after government officials labelled the capital as a ‘no-go zone for Jews’ due to the demonstrations, something organisers said stoked division around what are meant to be peace protests.
Newark resident, Francis Towndrow, was among the many thousands from across the country who travelled to London to take part in the demonstration.
He said: “I've attend several marches and each has attracted huge attendances — today’s was no exception.
“The recent inflammatory rhetoric from the Prime Minister and politicians backfired as those marching were not extremists but people with genuine concerns about those suffering in Gaza.
“Many believe this is a humanitarian tragedy. An end is essential, not a 'pause' but a permanent ceasefire.
“The situation in Gaza is desperate. Innocent victim's numbers increase daily.”
Different groups, organisation and communities came together in support of peace, with Jewish supporters on the march displaying banners such as ‘Judism against the state of Israel' and Irish and South African flags being flown — two other nations which have been affected by division in recent history.
Protesters sang, played instruments and chanted as they marched through the streets, calling for peace so that humanitarian aid can be given to those in need without fear of being attacked.
The goal is to pressure the UK government into voting for, rather than abstaining from, United Nations Security Council resolutions demanding a ceasefire.
Francis added: “Everything needs to be done to avoid a pending humanitarian disaster, so peace might be brought to the region."
According to figures posted on X by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the group who organised the demonstration, about 400,000 attended the march through London.
