Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside Downing Street on Friday evening for an emergency protest against UK arms sales to Israel, calling on the government to take immediate action amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The protest, held under the slogan “Stop Arming Israel – Words Are Not Enough,” was led by a coalition of major advocacy groups including the Palestinian Forum in Britain (PFB), Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), Friends of Al-Aqsa (FOA), Stop the War Coalition, Muslim Association of Britain, and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND).
The crowd, waving Palestinian flags and carrying placards, demanded an end to what they described as the UK’s complicity in Israeli military actions. Chants calling for justice, sanctions, and an immediate ceasefire echoed through central London as speakers from various organisations addressed the crowd.
Campaigners Condemn UK’s Role in Gaza Crisis
Speaking on behalf of the Palestinian Forum in Britain, activist Sireen El Hamamy condemned the UK government’s continued arms exports to Israel despite growing international criticism. “While words have been spoken, the UK continues to export weapons that enable atrocities,” she said. “This is the height of hypocrisy and moral failure.”
El Hamamy described the catastrophic conditions in Gaza, including the deaths of children from starvation and disease, accusing the West of a “racist and selective” approach to human rights. Her remarks concluded with the crowd’s chant: “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”
Mounting Pressure on UK Government
The protest is the latest in a series of public actions demanding that the British government suspend all military exports to Israel in response to the worsening situation in Gaza. Campaigners argue that the UK must match its rhetoric on human rights with tangible policy changes, particularly regarding arms licences that may be used in the conflict.
Organisers have pledged to continue mobilising nationwide until the UK adopts a principled stance and halts all arms-related support to Israel.
