Thousands of protesters marched on Saturday in Washington, London, and various locations as part of the Global Day of Action, calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza conflict and opposing US and UK support for Israel.
In Washington, large crowds waved Palestinian flags as predominantly young demonstrators, many wearing traditional keffiyehs, gathered in solidarity on the 99th day of the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. “Ceasefire now,” people chanted while holding signs reading “Free Palestine” and “End the War on Gaza.”
Meanwhile, London witnessed its seventh pro-Palestinian demonstration since October 7, when Hamas militants invaded southern Israel, resulting in around 1,140 casualties, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. Israel pledged to destroy Hamas and launched relentless airstrikes on Gaza, causing the deaths of at least 23,843 people, predominantly women and minors, according to the latest health ministry tally.
“We want to show the people of Palestine that we stand with them and also speak out against our government,” said 27-year-old Maleeha Ahmed, a healthcare worker attending the London march with her family. She expressed concern about her government’s role in enabling Israel’s actions, deeming it unacceptable.
The Saturday marches held particular significance amid US and UK airstrikes this week in Yemen against Houthi bases after Iran-backed militants attacked ships in the Red Sea in solidarity with Gaza. The day of action, organized by a British coalition, saw protests in 30 countries.
Kate Hudson, from the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, part of the coalition, stated the event aimed “to demand a permanent ceasefire and a lasting political agreement for all Palestinians.”