Ansar Ahmed Ullah:

More than 100,000 demonstrators marched to Downing Street on 9 August, calling on the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to end arms supplies to Israel and take action regarding the situation in Gaza.

The demonstration, organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, was the 21st national march in 22 months. Protesters voiced concerns about Israel’s announced plans regarding Gaza City, where an estimated 800,000 displaced Palestinians are currently residing.

Netanyahu recently announced Israel’s intention to “take control of all Gaza,” with military operations planned for Gaza City. Demonstrators argued that Israel’s actions constitute genocide and ethnic cleansing, stating that Western governments, including Britain, are complicit through continued support.

Protesters chanted slogans including “End the genocide,” “End the occupation,” and “End the Zionist apartheid.” The Palestine Solidarity Campaign stated that collective action could pressure leaders to change their policies regarding the conflict.

Among the participants were members of the Bengali community, including Akikur Rahman, Jalal Rajon Uddin, Syed Gulab Ali, Hafiz Md Zilu Khan, Soyful Alam, Shafique Ahmed, Abdus Salam Sheikh, Ahmed Fokor Kamal, Ansar Ahmed Ullah, Jamil Iqbal, and Ahmed Hussain Hira from ‘Bengalis for Palestine.’ This group called for unity in opposing Israel’s plans and demanded that the British government cease arms supplies, end military cooperation, halt trade with Israel, and impose comprehensive sanctions.

The demonstrators expressed concern that despite the escalating situation, the British government remains involved in what they characterise as complicity in the conflict through continued support for Israel.