Hundreds of demonstrators marched through London on Sunday, calling for Hamas to release Israeli hostages and condemning Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state if Israel does not agree to a truce in the Gaza war.
The rally, attended by relatives of hostages abducted during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, ended outside 10 Downing Street, where protesters urged the Labour leader to prioritize the liberation of captives over diplomatic recognition. Many waved Israeli flags or wore yellow ribbons, symbolizing solidarity with the hostages.
Hostages remain in Gaza amid growing concerns
Terror groups in Gaza are holding 50 hostages, including 49 of the 251 abducted during the Hamas onslaught that triggered the war. Israeli officials say at least 28 of them are confirmed dead, 20 are believed to be alive, and two others are in critical condition. Hamas is also holding the body of an IDF soldier killed in 2014.
Among those at the march were Ayelet Stavitsky, sister of murdered hostage Nadav Popplewell, and Adam Ma’anit, cousin of Tsahi Idan, who died in captivity. Ma’anit said the UK government’s foreign policy was misguided, urging it to “refocus on the hostages.”
Counter-protest arrests and rising tensions
London police arrested three counter-protesters during the demonstration, two on charges of violent conduct. One man was detained after allegedly grabbing a pro-Israel protester by the throat.
The rally came just days after a large London march in support of the banned group Palestine Action, during which more than 500 people were arrested for backing the proscribed organization.
UK policy shift sparks backlash
Starmer’s pledge to recognize a Palestinian state in September follows similar commitments from France, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, as pressure mounts ahead of next month’s UN meeting. Australia confirmed it will proceed with recognition next month, while New Zealand said it will follow soon.
However, several European powers remain opposed. Germany has said it does not plan recognition “in the short term,” while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the move “counterproductive.”
Israeli response: ‘A reward for terror’
Israel has strongly condemned the recognition pledges. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the idea that a Palestinian state would resolve the conflict, calling it “absurdity.”
“It defies imagination how intelligent people, including seasoned diplomats and world leaders, believe this,” Netanyahu said, arguing that recognition rewards terrorism rather than advancing peace.
