Protests unfolded in more than 120 cities worldwide

More than 120 locations across the globe saw protests as London called for a second International Day of Solidarity with Gaza. Millions of people came together throughout the world to protest what they saw as Israel’s attempts at “genocide” and “ethnic cleansing,” according to the Palestinian Forum in Britain (PFB).

Protests were held on Saturday in a number of locations, including Baghdad, Istanbul, Washington, Sydney, Dublin, Berlin, Paris, Vienna, Brasilia, Cape Town, and Rabat. Vice President of the PFB Adnan Hmidan said that despite forecasts of waning interest from Western authorities, the large turnout demonstrated ongoing international support for Gaza.

Hmidan stated, “In London, Glasgow, Manchester, Cardiff, and major cities worldwide, we witness a resounding movement aimed at halting the genocidal crimes perpetrated by the occupation.” He cited a recent YouGov survey showing that 66 percent of British people are in favor of a ceasefire in Gaza, with 22 percent of respondents supporting Palestine and 16 percent supporting Israel.

Speakers at the London demonstration included Hossam Zomlot, the Palestinian ambassador to the UK, Jeremy Corbyn, the former leader of the Labor Party, and members of other solidarity organizations. Among them was Leanne Mohammed, a young British-Palestinian lady from Alford North, who declared her candidacy for the forthcoming British elections. Her goal is to be the first female Palestinian candidate to run for parliament in the end of 2024 while donning a hijab.

The devastating effects of Israeli aggression on Gaza were highlighted by Ben Jamal, director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign in Britain. He said, “We witness atrocities we never thought imaginable throughout each stage of Israeli aggression and its genocidal acts against the people of Gaza.” Demands for Palestine’s liberation “from the river to the sea,” an immediate end to Israeli attacks, and responsibility for war crimes were repeated by protestors throughout the world. In addition, they demanded support for Rafah, a halt to genocide, and the opening of borders to allow assistance deliveries.