Rallies Supporting Palestinian Cause Held in London, Birmingham, and Salford

For the second consecutive weekend, thousands of people gathered in London to participate in a pro-Palestinian protest. The Metropolitan Police estimated that around 100,000 individuals joined the march, which was intended to conclude with a rally near Downing Street. This demonstration comes at a time when the first aid shipments have reached Gaza since Israel implemented a blockade following a Hamas attack that resulted in the death of 1,400 individuals in Israel. Palestinian health officials report that over 4,000 people have died in Israeli airstrikes. Similar pro-Palestinian demonstrations have also taken place in Birmingham and outside Media City in Salford. The Metropolitan Police deployed over 1,000 officers to oversee the event in London. Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist acknowledged that there are strong opinions on these matters but assured that the police would remain impartial. The Israeli government cut off the supply of fuel, electricity, and water to Gaza after Hamas' military wing breached the border into Israel, causing fatalities and taking hostages. According to the UN, approximately 1.4 million Gazans have been displaced, with over half a million individuals seeking refuge in 147 UN shelters. UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has warned that the conflict is jeopardizing the stability of the entire Middle East. As part of diplomatic efforts to address the deteriorating situation in Israel and the Occupied Territories, Cleverly has visited Israel, Turkey, and Qatar. Speaking at the Cairo Peace Summit, he emphasized the need for collaboration to prevent further instability and loss of lives. During the London march, protesters were heard chanting a slogan that some interpret as a call for Palestinian control over all the land from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, including Israel. Home Secretary Suella Braverman has condemned the slogan, stating that it calls for the destruction of Israel. Braverman has previously urged police chiefs to consider whether the chant may constitute a racially aggravated offense. However, the Metropolitan Police clarified that the chant alone does not amount to a criminal act. Furthermore, the Community Security Trust (CST), which provides security to Jewish communities, has become aware of plans for a smaller protest in Golders Green, an area of north London with a significant Jewish population. The group has been in communication with the police regarding social media posts encouraging a gathering in the neighborhood. They have advised people to remain vigilant and maintain personal security. The BBC News has reached out to the Metropolitan Police for comment on these reports.