Pro-Palestinian rallies held in Manchester, London and Cardiff
- Published
The rally in Hyde Park came after thousands marched through central London
Thousands of protesters have attended pro-Palestinian rallies in London, Manchester and Cardiff.
About 250 people have been killed since fighting began between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza on 10 May. A ceasefire began on Friday.
In Manchester, demonstrators waved flags as they marched through the city centre, calling on the British government to "stop arming Israel".
At the London demo, ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn addressed protesters.
He told the crowds that children should not have to see their homes demolished by bombs dropped from above.
"The occupation is the issue, the occupation of the West Bank, the siege of Gaza - they are the issues," Mr Corbyn said.
"While the ceasefire is a step forward, unless the fundamental issues are addressed, we will be here again."
The rally at which Mr Corbyn spoke came after thousands marched through central London from Victoria Embankment, ending up in Hyde Park.
Protesters gathered at Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester
In Manchester, one protester said: "There can be no peace without justice for the Palestinian people."
Organisers held a minute's silence for the conflict's victims and also asked protesters to remember the 22 victims of the Manchester Arena attack, which took place exactly four years ago.
A peaceful demonstration was staged outside BBC's offices in Cardiff
In Cardiff, a protest organised by the Cardiff Palestine Solidarity Campaign, was held outside the BBC's offices.
"This has to stop," said Mohammed Hadia, one of the organisers, who said more than 60 children were among those killed in Gaza.
"The West and the international community has to stand up and say: 'This is enough.'"
The truce was holding on Saturday, its second day. Its terms are unclear, though Egypt, Qatar, the US and UN appear to have been involved. Israel simply said it had agreed to a "mutual and unconditional" cessation of hostilities.
The UN Security Council praised the mediators and calling for a "full adherence to the ceasefire".
- Published22 May 2021
- Published22 May 2021
- Published5 April
