Tens of thousands of people across the UK expected to protest in Day of Action against the resumption of Israel’s attack on Gaza
- Up to 100 actions are expected to take place across the UK in 8th consecutive weekend of protests
- The demand is for a permanent ceasefire and lifting of Israel’s illegal siege to allow in desperately needed humanitarian aid
- UK political leaders are urged to stop their complicity in Israeli war crimes
For the eighth Saturday in a row since Israel launched its bombardment of Gaza, tens of thousands of British people are expected to show their opposition to the indiscriminate attacks on civilians which have claimed the lives of more than 15 000 Palestinians, including 6 000 children.
The resumption of Israel’s attacks come as a bitter disappointment after 7 days of respite for the people of the Gaza Strip. The short truce allowed some increase in aid after food, water, and medical supplies were cut off by Israel. This was never enough to meet basic needs though, with the UN warning that deaths from disease could soon outstrip those from bombing.
Israel’s resumption of violence will likely mean that thousands more Palestinians will be killed. Millions who have already been displaced will again be forced to flee for their lives to places where they are still not safe. We cannot allow an increase to the horrors that Israel has already inflicted on Palestinians in Gaza. Only pressure from the International community will make them stop. People and governments around the world must demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire.
Last Saturday more than 300 000 people marched in London, one of a series of demonstrations that have been amongst the largest in British history. This Saturday sees a third National Day of Action to allow people in cities, towns and villages across the UK to show that 76% of the UK (as evidenced by a YouGov opinion poll) are in favour of a permanent ceasefire.
There are actions from Bristol to Woking – protests, rallies, petitions, fundraising and marches. Several protests will highlight the complicity of corporations like Barclays Bank, which holds over £1 billion in shares, and provides over £3 billion in loans and underwriting to 9 companies whose weapons, components, and military technology have been used in Israel’s armed violence against Palestinians.
The demand continues for a ceasefire and for our politicians to halt their support for Israel’s war crimes.
Ben Jamal, PSC Director, said :
“Israel’s decision to resume its bombardment of Gaza flies in the face of international law, which prohibits collective punishment and attacks on civilians. Every humanitarian agency on the ground has indicated that the scale of destruction already wrought by Israel has pushed Gaza to the brink of catastrophe, where deaths from disease and lack of medical services could outstrip the current casualty figures.
In that context not only is it unconscionable that Israel would renew its attacks, it is also shameful and unacceptable that UK political leaders would give their support, tacitly or explicitly.
This Saturday, ordinary people across the UK will come out again to show the vast majority of them support a permanent ceasefire. They will show their solidarity with Palestinians who are experiencing unbearable suffering. They will also demand the root causes are not forgotten – Israel’s decades-long military occupation of Palestinian territories and its system of apartheid against Palestinians. We demand justice for the Palestinian people – their right to self-determination and to live in freedom, dignity and with equality .”