Protesting outside the Israeli embassy in London (Pic: Guy Smallman)
Some 10,000 people joined a demonstration in London today (Friday) to show solidarity with Palestinians facing an Israeli military onslaught.
The protest outside the Israeli embassy was lively and determined, with a good mix of young and old. The diverse crowds contained a mixture of socialists, Palestine campaigners, Muslims, Jews and Christians.
A double decker London bus became the centre of the demonstration after it was commandeered by protesters. Perhaps the biggest cheer of the day came when one of the Orthodox Jews who had joined the protest climbed on to the roof of the bus to help raise the Palestine flag.
The police were taken completely by surprise by the size and militancy of the demonstration and had to abandon early attempts to kettle it.
Jeremy Corbyn MP was one of the speakers at the rally.
He spoke to Socialist Worker about why he supported the demonstration.
“Collective punishment is illegal in any aspect of international law. All those who have died are victims of Israel's occupation,” he said.
"We turned out in our thousands tonight, and we’ll turn out in our thousands again – both here and around the world – until the Palestinians get peace and recognition."
Most protesters were as angry with the British media as they were with Israel. In response to their shamefully biased coverage, they chanted, "BBC shame on you!"
Student Asiya Nusir, told Socialist Worker, “Palestinians don't have anything to defend themselves with – it’s not war, it's murder".
The demonstration was called by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign together with the Stop the War Coalition, the Friends of Al Aqsa and other groups.
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