London: Massive March Demands Incoming British Prime Minister Sanction Occupation

The streets of the British capital, London, hosted a massive demonstration today, Saturday, under the name "National March for Palestine," with thousands of supporters participating alongside the Palestinian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Husam Zomlot. Participants raised banners demanding that the incoming British government end its policy of silence regarding what is happening in the Gaza Strip and take immediate action to stop the genocidal war waged by the Israeli occupation.

Demonstrators directed direct messages to Andy Burnham, who was elected leader of the Labour Party unopposed and is scheduled to officially assume the duties of Prime Minister next Monday. Protesters demanded that the new government adopt tougher stances, including imposing economic and political sanctions on Israel, in response to the continued violations and military practices in the occupied Palestinian territories.

For its part, the Metropolitan Police imposed strict security measures and specific conditions under the Public Order Act to ensure the march proceeded without serious disturbances. The event started from Russell Square, passing through vital areas such as Holborn and the Strand, reaching Whitehall, where a platform was set up for political speeches focusing on legitimate Palestinian rights.

This popular movement comes at a time when the Labour Party is undergoing a leadership change, with Burnham replacing Keir Starmer, amidst expectations of a shift in British foreign policy towards the Middle East. Burnham had previously stated that the party's response to the crisis in Gaza was insufficient and needed radical improvement, emphasizing that London was late in calling for a ceasefire.

In previous press statements, the prospective Prime Minister pledged to exert real pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu's government, including considering a ban on trade with illegal settlements in the West Bank. Burnham clearly criticized the continuous settlement expansion, considering that current Israeli policies deliberately aim to undermine any chance of implementing a two-state solution and make the establishment of a Palestinian state impossible.

Despite adopting tougher stances on Israeli practices, Burnham was keen to emphasize that criticizing the occupation's policies does not contradict combating antisemitism. He stressed in media interviews that his government would balance condemning violence with the moral and legal commitment to protect Palestinian civilians and ensure adequate humanitarian aid reaches the besieged Gaza Strip.

The march concluded its activities late Saturday evening, with organizers from the Palestinian Alliance and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign affirming the continuation of protest activities. Participants stressed that the British public would not stop pressuring until the promises of the new Labour leadership are translated into practical steps on the ground to end the suffering of the Palestinian people.

The Labour Party did not deal adequately with the war on Gaza at its beginning, and the United Kingdom was very late in calling for a ceasefire.