It’s possible that I shall make an ass of myself. But in that case one can always get out of it with a little dialectic. I have, of course, so worded my proposition as to be right either way (K.Marx, Letter to F.Engels on the Indian Mutiny)
Saturday, January 06, 2024
Speaker at the Israeli Knesset denounces the actions of the occupation
A speaker at the early special legislative session at the Israeli Knesset denounced the Israeli army crimes in Gaza and the West Bank. He highlighted the Palestinian righteous struggle and their right to resist occupation, emphasising both Israeli and Palestinian people have the right to peace. As the speaker faced the rage of the attendees, he said: ‘Why do the Palestinians continue to fight? Because their fight is just and because they are fighting for their liberation.’ As he was removed from the stage he asserted the continuation of the Palestinian resistance.
January 6, 2024
Scotland's First Minister calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza, criticizes UK government's stance
06 JANUARY 2024
A picture taken from Rafah on January 6, 2024 shows smoke billowing over Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip during Israeli bombardment, amid continuing battles between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Photo: AFP / LEHTIKUVA
Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf has strongly urged the UK Government to leverage its influential position as a key ally of Israel to demand an immediate halt to the ongoing "indiscriminate attacks" in Gaza. Yousaf condemned the UK Government's persistent refusal to call for a ceasefire as "shameful," especially in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis that has resulted in thousands of civilian casualties, including children.
Ten weeks into the conflict following Israel's invasion of Gaza, the situation remains dire, with the United Nations reporting up to 1.9 million internally displaced people in Gaza. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees has highlighted a looming famine risk for 40% of Gaza's population, driven by "catastrophic hunger." According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report, Gaza is facing a severe food security emergency exacerbated by the ongoing hostilities.
Yousaf emphasized the failure of diplomatic efforts to bring about a resolution, highlighting the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire. He critiqued the Israeli government's actions as excessive and beyond legitimate response to the Hamas attack on October 7. Yousaf also expressed deep concern over comments made by an Israeli Government Minister advocating for the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, a stance he believes should be universally condemned.
The First Minister called on the UK Government to assert that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, as well as other Israeli ministers and military commanders, should be held accountable for the immense civilian casualties and the potential deaths from starvation and disease if Israel does not cease its attacks and allow sufficient aid into Gaza.
Furthermore, Yousaf stated that Hamas leaders must also be held responsible for their attacks against Israeli civilians. He criticized the UK Government's talk of a sustainable ceasefire, noting it has made no difference on the ground, as the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Yousaf urged the UK Government to use its voice and influence to end the violence, both through direct engagement with the Israeli government and indirectly through the United States.
HT
Scotland's first minister condemns statements calling for the resettlement of the Gazan population
Scotland’s first minister Humza Yousaf condemned the Israeli government members’ statements calling for the relocation of the Gazan population away from Gaza and the establishment of Israeli settlements in Gaza. He emphasised that such actions should be categorised as ethnic cleansing and condemned in the strongest possible manner. Yousaf said: ‘I think political leaders should stop beating around the bush, and should call what they are seeing in Gaza for what it is.’
January 6, 2024
Supplying Weapons to Israel During the Gaza War
There have been all kinds of US presidents, but no one, easy to recall, who has been as feckless as the current occupant of the White House.
There have been all kinds of US presidents: liars (Bill Clinton comes to mind), corrupt (The Teapot Dome Scandal 1921-1923), girlfriend problems (Grover Cleveland 1885-89) and some with other frailties. But no one, easy to recall, who has been as feckless as the current occupant of the White House; none that is as subservient to Israel and the demands of its minority-vote prime minister … in power because of the support of very small religious parties with whom he seems to have made a Faustian bargain.
So it is that Palestinian civilians continue to be slaughtered in Gaza, at the approximate rate of 7,000 per month since October 7th when this lopsided conflict began.
Now who is likely to have the most influence with Israel? Why, the supplier of the vast arsenal of bombs, artillery shells and the like that penetrate, dismember, kill and embed in the soft flesh of the old men, women and children left in Gaza … while the young men are dispersed in the 300-mile network of tunnels dug over the years by Hamas for protection against Israeli onslaughts.
Supplying such weapons to a callous user without accountability renders the supplier also culpable. Article 2(c) of the 1948 Geneva Genocide Convention states expressly in its definition of genocide: deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction as a whole or in part.
It fits what is happening in Gaza like the proverbial glove. And unconditional support for Israel makes the US culpable. No wonder Biden has been labeled “Genocide Joe” in the world press. The hapless and feckless Joe has been blinded and mesmerized by the power of the Jewish lobby as he breaks his own word to the people to run for a second term in November 2024. This, despite the fact that many Jewish groups oppose the war and have held rallies against it. The most powerful AIPAC, however, has supported Israel throughout and opposed a ceasefire.
For prompt action, the UN security council would have been a better bet. But the surety of a US vote against a ceasefire, in compliance with its ally’s position, led the matter to the General Assembly. The overwhelming support for a ceasefire (150 voted ‘yes’) represented the general feeling in the world about the war. Even India, which has become close to Israel under the Modi government, voted for it.
Only 10 countries including the US and Israel voted against. Excluding the US, their total population amounted to 50 million in a world populated by about 8 billion people or a little over a half percent. It is a startling indicator of how the world feels about the issue and how US prestige, influence and support have declined. Bernie Sanders who is the US senator from Vermont and is himself Jewish is asking Congress to block additional funding to Israel while the Gaza war continues. He did not mince words calling the Israeli response, “grossly disproportionate, immoral and in violation of humanitarian law …Enough is enough, congress must reject that funding. The taxpayers of the United States must no longer be complicit in destroying the lives of innocent men, women and children in Gaza.” Is Joe Biden listening?
Dr. Arshad M. Khan is a former Professor based in the US. Educated at King's College London, OSU and The University of Chicago, he has a multidisciplinary background that has frequently informed his research. Thus he headed the analysis of an innovation survey of Norway, and his work on SMEs published in major journals has been widely cited. He has for several decades also written for the press: These articles and occasional comments have appeared in print media such as The Dallas Morning News, Dawn (Pakistan), The Fort Worth Star Telegram, The Monitor, The Wall Street Journal and others. On the internet, he has written for Antiwar.com, Asia Times, Common Dreams, Counterpunch, Countercurrents, Dissident Voice, Eurasia Review and Modern Diplomacy among many. His work has been quoted in the U.S. Congress and published in its Congressional Record.
Nearly 600 attacks on healthcare in Gaza and West Bank since war began: WHO
Hospitals and other vital medical infrastructure in Gaza and the West Bank have been attacked nearly 600 times since war erupted.
People who have fled their homes in Gaza shelter in Al-Quds hospital (file). WHO
Hospitals and other vital medical infrastructure in Gaza and the West Bank have been attacked nearly 600 times since war erupted in the enclave in response to the Hamas-led terror attack in southern Israel, the UN health agency said on Friday.Some 613 people have died within health facilities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory since 7 October last year – 606 in Gaza and seven in the West Bank – and more than 770 have been injured, according to latest data on healthcare attacks from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Condemning the continuing fighting and bombardment, WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier said that the “ongoing reduction of humanitarian space plus the continuing attacks on healthcare are pushing the people of Gaza to breaking point”.
Children in the Gaza Strip face a deadly triple threat to their lives, as cases of diseases rise, nutrition plummets and the escalation in hostilities approaches its fourteenth week.
Thousands of children have already died from the violence, while living conditions for children continue to rapidly deteriorate, with increasing cases of diarrhoea and rising food poverty among children, raising the risk of mounting child deaths.
Hundreds of facilities hit
WHO’s online platform covering attacks on healthcare indicated 304 attacks in the Gaza Strip since 7 October. The attacks affected 94 health care facilities (including 26 hospitals damaged out of 36) and 79 ambulances.
In the West Bank, 286 attacks caused seven deaths and 52 injuries. Some 24 health facilities were affected along with 212 ambulances.
Catherine Russell noted young lives are “increasingly at risk from preventable diseases and lack of food and water. All children and civilians must be protected from violence and have access to basic services and supplies.”
Cases of diarrhoea in children under five rose from 48,000 to 71,000 in just one week starting 17 December, equivalent to 3,200 new cases of diarrhea per day.
She said the significant increase indicated child health in Gaza is “fast deteriorating”. Before the escalation in hostilities, an average of 2,000 cases of diarrhea in children under five were recorded per month.
Relief effort stymied
A statement released on Thursday by Eri Kaneko, spokesperson for aid coordination office OCHA, echoed repeated concerns by humanitarians that the speed and volume of relief is being continually hampered by conditions on the ground.
“The UN and our humanitarian partners are committed to and continue to do all they can to meet the growing needs in Gaza. However, the operating environment and response capacity continues to be hindered by security risks, mobility constraints, delays and denials”, Ms. Kaneko said.
“Multiple inspections, long queues of trucks and difficulties at crossing points continue to hamper operations. Inside Gaza, aid operations face constant bombardments, with aid workers themselves killed and some convoys having been shot at.
The OCHA official made clear other challenges include poor communications, damaged roads and delays at checkpoints.
“An effective aid operation in Gaza requires security, staff who can work in safety, logistical capacity and the resumption of commercial activity.”
142 UNRWA staff killed
Meanwhile, the UN agency providing help to Palestinians, UNRWA, said that the total number of staff killed since the beginning of hostilities stands at 142.
The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees also reported that since 7 October last year, up to 1.9 million people have been displaced across the Gaza Strip, some multiple times.
This number represents over 85 per cent of the population of the Gaza Strip, UNRWA said, adding that families have been forced to move “repeatedly in search of safety”.
Nearly 1.4 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) now shelter in 155 UNRWA facilities across all five governorates of the Gaza Strip.
This figure includes 160,000 in the north and Gaza City according to data last revised shortly after the escalation began.
Another 500,000 people “are in close vicinity of these installations and receiving assistance” from UNRWA, the UN agency said in an update.
IOM launches $69 million appeal
The UN’s migration agency IOM launched an urgent appeal on Friday for $69 million to support its response to rising and critical humanitarian needs in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
The appeal also covers neighbouring countries affected by the ongoing hostilities in Gaza.
In a statement, IOM said that hundreds of thousands of civilians need aid desperately. But getting help to them continues to be hampered by “long clearance procedures for humanitarian aid trucks at the border (and) the intense ground operation and fighting”.
“Frequent disruption” to communication networks has also prevented humanitarian aid coordination, the UN agency said “along with insecurity, blocked roads and scarcity of fuel”.
Outside Gaza, IOM noted that deteriorating security situation along border areas between Israel and Lebanon has forced some 76,000 people from their homes in southern Lebanon.
Norway’s opera applauds interruption demanding the end of genocide in Gaza
Pro-Palestine activists in Oslo interrupted Norway’s National Opera demanding an end to the genocide in Gaza and an immediate ceasefire to the 3-month-long war. The audience applauded the interruption as an additional show of support for the Palestinian people.
January 6, 2024
Israel fears ruling from International Court of Justice over Gaza attacks
South Africa has used photo evidence captured by Turkish global news agency Anadolu to show that Israel committed war crimes in its onslaught on Gaza.
AA ARCHIVE
Smoke rising from a damaged area in Gaza is seen from Kibbutz Be'eri, Israel as Israeli attacks continue on Gaza on January 05, 2024. / Photo: AA Archive
Following South Africa's lawsuit, Tel Aviv is concerned and anticipating a possible verdict from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) compelling Israel to halt its ongoing assault on Gaza.
The Israeli Broadcasting Authority stated in a brief statement on Friday that Tel Aviv fears the issuance of a decision by the court in The Hague ordering the cessation of hostilities in Gaza, without providing further details.
South Africa suspended relations with Israel on November 21, in response to its army’s intensified attacks on Gaza. And later on December 29, it filed a petition with the ICJ to initiate genocidal proceedings against Tel Aviv.
It requested that Israel immediately cease all acts and measures in violation of its obligations as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention.
The application was filed "concerning alleged violations by Israel of its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in relation to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip," the ICJ said in a press release.
South Africa is using photo evidence captured by Turkish global news agency Anadolu to show that Israel committed war crimes in its onslaught on Gaza as it brings its genocide case against Tel Aviv at the ICJ.
In the case file submitted by South Africa to the international court based in The Hague, photos by Anadolu, also featured in a report by Amnesty International, are serving as evidence to help prove Israel's use of banned white phosphorus munitions in Gaza, one of the most densely populated regions in the world.
"Israel has engaged in, is engaging in, and risks further engaging in genocidal acts against the Palestinian people in Gaza," the African country said.
Israel has pounded Gaza since a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on October 7, killing at least 22,185 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injuring around 58,000 others, according to local health authorities.
Israeli attacks have left Gaza in ruins, with 60 percent of the enclave’s infrastructure damaged or destroyed, and nearly 2 million residents displaced amid acute shortages of food, clean water, and medicines.
SOURCE: AA
Report: 100 Chilean Lawyers Accuse Netanyahu of War Crimes, File Complaint at ICC
TEHRAN (FNA)- About 100 Chilean lawyers, most of whom are of Palestinian origin, have filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court regarding the crimes of the Israeli occupation in the Gaza Strip, WAFA news agency reported.
The complaint alleges charges of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity committed by the Israeli army on Palestinians.
“They are demanding that [Israeli Prime Minister] Benjamin Netanyahu bear criminal responsibilities, to impose an immediate ceasefire,” said Francisco Shahwan, the chairman of the foreign relations committee.
The complainant is calling for the issuance of an arrest warrant against Netanyahu and other officials and soldiers responsible for these crimes, Shahwan added.
Israel started its military aggression against Gaza on October 7 following an operation by the territory's resistance groups, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm.
The Palestinian Health Ministry said on Saturday, at least 122 Palestinians were killed and 256 others wounded by Israeli bombardment over the past 24 hours in Gaza. That brings the total death toll in Gaza since 7 October to 22,722 Palestinians, with 58,166 others wounded.
The war has left Gaza in ruins, with half of the coastal territory's housing damaged or destroyed and nearly 2 million people displaced within the densely-populated enclave amid shortages of food and clean water.
Finland urged to intervene in international court of justice hearing on alleged war crimes in Gaza
06 JANUARY 2024
Israeli soldiers operating in the Gaza Strip amid continuing battles between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Photo: Israeli Army / AFP /
The International Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD) Finland, in collaboration with the Sumud - Finnish Palestine Network, has issued an urgent appeal to Finland's UN Ambassador and national leadership. The appeal, pertaining to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearing scheduled for January 11–12 in The Hague, urges Finland to promptly submit an intervention declaration in the lawsuit initiated by South Africa against alleged war crimes in Gaza.
This move comes as a group of high-ranking UN experts warn of a potential "genocide in progress" in Gaza, urging the international community to take all necessary measures to prevent further atrocities. The ICJ hearing presents a historic opportunity for Finland to address Israeli war crimes and fulfill its international legal obligations to prevent the continuation of such crimes and ensure accountability.
The appeal, accompanied by the ICJ's press release regarding South Africa's challenge filed on December 29, 2023, highlights the urgency of the situation and the role Finland could play in shaping international responses to these serious allegations.
HT
Pro-Palestine demonstrations held across the island of Ireland
People take part in a pro-Palestine march and rally at Belfast City Hall (David Young/PA)
By David Young, PA
Today at 08:40
Thousands of people demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as they took part in pro-Palestine rallies in various locations across the island of Ireland.
Belfast and Cork saw two of the largest protests on Saturday.
In Dublin, a smaller demonstration outside RTE’s headquarters saw 108 pairs of shoes laid out in a display activists said was to signify the number of journalists killed since the conflict began in October.
The rally at Belfast City Hall came after supporters of the Palestinian cause marched through the city centre on Saturday afternoon.
Protesters carrying Palestine flags and placards criticising the Israeli regime were among the large crowd that gathered outside the gates of the landmark building to hear a series of speeches.
10)
108 pairs of shoes for each journalist killed in Gaza are laid out as Mother’s Against Genocide protest outside RTE in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA)
The addresses were interspersed with chants and songs voicing support for the Palestinian people and demanding a ceasefire in Gaza.
Among the speakers was Mark McTaggart, who is northern secretary of the INTO teaching union and also spokesman for the Trade Union Friends of Palestine group.
He reflected on the numbers of students and teachers who have been killed in Gaza and the West Bank.
“We look at what happened in our country during the time when there was unrest – education was the last bastion of hope for most people, it was the schools and the schoolteachers from across the north who kept children safe and schools were seen as places of safety,” he said.
“Those chances and those life chances are being taken away from young people across in Palestine.”
Mr McTaggart also encouraged people to actively boycott Israeli goods and companies.
People take part in a pro-Palestine march and rally at Belfast City Hall (David Young/PA)
In Cork, hundreds attended a demonstration organised by The Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
Similar demonstrations have taken place in the city every weekend since the conflict erupted.
The protest at RTE HQ in Donnybrook in Dublin was organised by the group Mothers Against Genocide.
One of those taking part was sustainable development scientist Naomi Sheehan.
She said Ireland’s national broadcaster should be referring to Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide”.
“It’s hard to even speak about this because it is so emotional, this is like witnessing the worst human rights atrocities of our times,” she said.
“It’s a silent genocide and we are hearing a deafening silence in terms of assigning appropriate accountability to the forces who are enabling this genocide.”
Cities on the island of Ireland have also witnessed pro-Israeli demonstrations since the conflict began in October.
Saturday’s pro-Palestinian protests were staged after Tanaiste Micheal Martin warned that a widening of the conflict in the Middle East would have devastating consequences for the world.
Mr Martin’s comments came as Hezbollah in Lebanon claimed it fired dozens of rockets at Israeli observations posts after it blamed Israel for a strike on Beirut that killed a senior Hamas official during the week.
The Tanaiste also rejected suggestions coming from some Israeli ministers that large numbers of Palestinians should be relocated out of Gaza.
Mr Martin further expressed concern about the situation in the Red Sea where commercial ships have been attacked by Houthi rebels from Yemen.
The Irish minister for foreign affairs said the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza was “more urgent than ever”.
Tanaist Micheal Martin reiterated his call for a ceasefire in Gaza (Niall Carson/PA)
He also stressed the urgency of the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held in Gaza and “full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access” to the enclave.
“Events across the region in recent days are also a stark reminder of the potential for further escalation,” he said.
“A widening of this conflict would have devastating consequences for the region and for the world.
“The international community simply cannot allow further civilian suffering and deaths. I urge all parties in the region to exercise restraint and avoid escalation.”
The Tanaiste added: “Attacks on shipping in the Red Sea by the Houthis in Yemen are not only putting the lives of the crews in danger but are having an increasingly serious impact on global trade, with all the consequences that has for the lives and livelihoods of communities across the globe.
We must take concrete steps to achieve long-term peace, stability and security for Palestinians and Israelis and for the region as a whole
Tanaiste Micheal Martin
“As always, it is the poorest and most vulnerable communities – in the Middle East, Africa and globally – that are the most severely affected.
“This trajectory must be reversed. The international community, including parties in the region, must, in the first instance, redouble efforts to end the conflict in Gaza.
“But our ambition should not be limited to de-escalation. We must take concrete steps to achieve long-term peace, stability and security for Palestinians and Israelis and for the region as a whole. This can only be done through a sustained and serious commitment to a two-state solution; not as an oft-repeated shibboleth but as a concrete reality.
“In that context, the recent comments by Israeli government ministers calling for the resettlement of Palestinians outside of Gaza are utterly unacceptable and inflammatory. Gaza is Palestinian land and is an integral part of a future state of Palestine.”
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators in UK intensify calls for immediate Gaza cease-fire
As Israel's war on Gaza extends into its 92nd day, local communities once again mobilizing, taking to streets to protest against Israel
Aysu Bicer and Cuneyt Karadag |06.01.2024
LONDON / BERLIN
As Israel's war on Gaza extends into its 92nd day, pro-Palestinian demonstrators in the UK have intensified their calls for an immediate and permanent cease-fire in the blockaded strip.
Despite the passing days, the fervor of the protesters shows no signs of waning. Local communities are once again mobilizing, taking to the streets to amplify their collective demand for an end to the conflict and a lasting resolution.
The widespread demonstrations are aimed at urging a cease-fire in Gaza, with participants converging in various cities, including Birmingham, Bristol, Brighton, Canterbury, Oxford, and Hastings.
Amid diverse locations, local London marches are scheduled in areas such as Camden, Hackney, Harrow, and Ealing.
Notably, the Camden protest featured a rally outside the office of Labour leader Keir Starmer.
Campaigners have criticized Starmer for his perceived failure to advocate for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip despite the growing death toll.
Protesters chanted anti-Israel slogans and carried Palestinian flags and signs, with some reading "Stop bombing Gaza," "You should be ashamed," "From river to sea Palestine will be free," "Freedom for Palestine," "End Genocide," and "Cease-fire now."
"With Israel’s catastrophic onslaught ongoing, we must continue to take action to demand a cease-fire now, and an end to British complicity in Israel’s apartheid rule over the Palestinian people," the Palestine Solidarity Campaign said in a statement.
Addressing the protesters in Camden, Sabby Sagall, the president of the Camden Palestine Solidarity Campaign, said Israel has intensified its attacks on Gaza.
Pointing out Israel's history of ethnic cleansing since 1947, Sagall praised the International Criminal Court's application against Israel, submitted by South Africa, and described it as the most positive step taken during this process.
Sagall, expressing support for the Palestinian people as a Jew, said Israel has been terrorizing Palestinians for 75 years.
'British government diplomatically covering up genocide'
In his speech, Andrew Murray, deputy president of the Stop the War Coalition, emphasized the need for an end to political support in the UK for Israeli "genocide" in Gaza.
"The British and the American governments are ignoring the genocide. Our government is arming the genocide, it is politically supporting and diplomatically covering up genocide," he said.
"No movement is more important than the one we have built in Britain and our government's political support of this genocide must be broken," he added.
"Israel has been doing genocide and we can see it in the dead babies in their incubators. We can see it in the attacks that is making Gaza unlivable in the foreseeable future," he said.
A retired doctor Jonathan Flaxman, who is also Jewish, gave some information about what has happened to the health sector in Gaza and Palestine.
"There's no functioning health service in northern Gaza. Twenty-three out of 36 hospitals have been destroyed. And by destroying the hospitals, people who are injured, who couldn't be saved, will die slow, painful death. We know that it's part of the ethnic cleansing," he added.
Flaxman said hospitals are deliberately attacked under the pretext of targeting Hamas leaders, leading to the intentional targeting of health care workers, with over 300 of them killed.
Meanwhile, a group calling themselves the Organise Corbyn Inspired Socialist Alliance has started working to field an independent candidate against Starmer in the next election to oust the leader of the Labour Party.
"I am outraged that Keir Starmer hasn't called for a cease-fire. There are beautiful children in Gaza right now being murdered, being slaughtered, being traumatized. And Starmer hasn't voted for a cease-fire and we are outraged and we are campaigning to unseat him in his constituency," an alliance volunteer told Anadolu.
She said the politicians shouldn't take the people for granted, saying: "They need to listen to us, and millions of us want a cease-fire in Gaza."
She added that 26,000 votes are needed to elect a new member of parliament to replace Starmer.
Phil Davidson, one of the campaign volunteers, mentioned being prevented from voting in internal party elections as a former Labour Party member.
"I dedicate my time to make sure that Starmer was not in parliament. I see him live threat to democracy and democratic values," he said, adding that there must be an MP who will put the good of humanity first.
"It's not about socialism. It's not about conservatives. It's not about Islam or Christianity. It's about doing the right thing, looking after the weakest helping people when they need it," he added. Pro-Palestine demonstration held in Berlin
Also, a demonstration in solidarity with Palestine was held in Germany’s capital Berlin on Saturday.
Nearly 1,500 protesters gathered at Mehringplatz Square and marched to Potsdamer Platz in the center of Berlin, conveying messages of support to Palestine as well as protesting Israel's attacks on Gaza.
Protesters chanted slogans such as "Israel is a terror state," "Killing children is a crime," "Why are you silent, Scholz?" "Freedom for Palestine," "Stop the genocide in Gaza," "Germany finances, Israel bombs," and "Stop the war."
Carrying Palestinian flags, protesters held banners with messages such as "Stop killing innocent people," "Chancellor Scholz, Foreign Minister Baerbock, when will you have enough blood?" "German politicians are silent, deaf, and blind to Palestine," "End the occupation in Gaza," and "You cannot build sacred grounds on the mass graves of children."
Pro-Palestine London protests turn violent, protesters clash with police
Pro-Palestine protests in London: Scuffles broke out as officers advanced towards the protest leader who was giving a speech.
Protesters at a demonstration against Israel's war in Gaza clashed with police in London as Metropolitan Police officers attempted to break up the march while hundreds of people gathered at St James’s Park. Scuffles broke out as officers advanced towards the protest leader who was giving a speech. Police also prevented demonstrators crossing Westminster Bridge.
Pro-Palestine protests in London: Police also prevented demonstrators crossing Westminster Bridge.
Some protesters were heard chanting “shame on you” and “who do you serve, who do you protect?” while others were seen waving Palestinian flags and holding placards condemning Israel’s war in Gaza.
The Free Palestine Coalition (FPC) made up of “grassroots organisations in London, including Sisters Uncut, Black Lives Matter UK, London for a Free Palestine, and the Palestinian Youth Movement” called for the protest and said that they will be “blockading a well-known location in London”
“The FPC has chosen this date, in advance of Parliament returning, to send a strong signal to the UK Government that Palestine is a political priority and that there can be no business as usual,” it said after which the police said that a large number of officers will be in central London “to minimise disruption and deal with any offences”.
“Various protest groups, including Sisters Uncut and Black Lives Matter, are planning to hold a protest in central London today. Officers have attempted to speak with the organisers, however they have not shared any information with us about their proposed route. This has an impact on how we plan our policing response and means more officers have to be deployed to central London to ensure we can respond quickly," the police said.
Protesters clash with London police at Westminster bridge
Pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets demanding an immediate Ceasefire in Gaza. Clashes occurred between protestors and the Metropolitan police who stated that the protests were not authorised, they were, however, allowed at a restricted area until 3 pm. The Metropolitan statement said: ‘We have a duty to allow people to take part in legal protest. When there could be serious disruption, we impose conditions to prevent this.’ Protesters demanded an end to the 3-month ongoing genocide in Gaza and an immediate ceasefire.
Pro-Palestinian protesters chant slogans in front of Elizabeth Tower, commonly known by the name of the clock's bell, "Big Ben," at the Palace of Westminster, home to parliament, in central London on Jan. 6, 2024. They demanded a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war.
LONDON —
Pro-Palestinian protesters blocked roads outside the British parliament in London on Saturday, demanding an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war and clashing with police who prevented them from marching across Westminster Bridge.
London, like other Western cities, has seen regular and sometimes large demonstrations calling for Israel to halt the bombardment of Gaza triggered by a surprise October 7 attack by Hamas militants that Israeli officials say killed more than 1,200 people.
The Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry says 22,722 people have been killed in Israel's bombardment.
Videos posted on social media showed police blocking protesters' access to the bridge, and a Reuters reporter said there had been several small scuffles. Unable to fully access the bridge, where they had planned to unfurl banners, protesters instead occupied the surrounding roads.
Police said that they had imposed a legal order limiting the location of the protests and that by 3 p.m. people had begun to disperse. Those who refused to comply with an order to leave could be arrested, police said.
Saturday's action was smaller than previous mass marches but came two days before the British parliament returns to work after its Christmas break. The protest was designed to push politicians to adopt a harder stance toward Israel.
So far, Britain has stopped short of calling for an immediate cease-fire, with foreign minister David Cameron arguing that any such agreement could be unsustainable and may worsen violence without a plan for longer term peace.
Most previous protests in London have been coordinated with police and remained largely peaceful, but police said the organizers of Saturday's protests had refused to share details of their plans.
Pro-Palestinian protesters stage sit in at Westminster Bridge
In Pictures
Pro-Palestine protesters block bridge outside UK parliament
Demonstrators gathered on the streets of central London, demanding an immediate ceasefire in Israel’s war on Gaza.
People in London take part in a protest in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza [Hollie Adams/Reuters] Published On 6 Jan 20246 Jan 2024
Hundreds of pro-Palestine demonstrators blocked access to a bridge near the British parliament on Saturday, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza in an act of civil disobedience.
London, like other Western cities, has seen regular and sometimes large demonstrations calling for an end to Israel’s bombardment of the besieged strip.
Police clashed with the protesters, who occupied surrounding roads after they were prevented from marching across Westminster Bridge, where they had planned to unfurl banners.
Police said they had imposed a legal order limiting the location of the protests and that by 3pm (15:00 GMT) people had begun to disperse. Those who refused to comply with an order to leave could be arrested, police said.
Saturday’s action, the first major demonstration of the new year, was smaller than previous mass marches but comes two days before the UK Parliament returns to work after its Christmas break.
The protest was designed to push politicians to adopt a harder stance towards Israel in its war on Gaza, which has killed more than 22,700 Palestinians in three months.
Two young girls, one wrapped in a Palestinian flag, chant slogans as they take part in a pro-Palestine demonstration in front of the Elizabeth Tower, commonly called "Big Ben", near the Houses of Parliament in central London. [Henry Nicholls/AFP]
People take part in a protest in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire in the three-month war. [Hollie Adams/Reuters]
Metropolitan Police officers clash with protesters during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in front of the Palace of Westminster. [Henry Nicholls/AFP]
A police officer speaks and gestures towards a pro-Palestinian supporter at a march in the capital. [Henry Nicholls/AFP]
Metropolitan Police officers stand in front of pro-Palestine protesters calling for a ceasefire. [Henry Nicholls/AFP]
A pro-Palestine supporter with a message reading "Peace is the white man's word" written on her face takes part in a demonstration in central London. [Henry Nicholls/AFP] Advertisement
Some Metropolitan Police officers clashed with protesters during the demonstration. [Henry Nicholls/AFP]
Pro-Palestine supporters wave Palestinian flags and chant slogans during the demonstration. [Henry Nicholls/AFP]
Metropolitan Police officers arrest a demonstrator at the march. [Henry Nicholls/AFP]
Protesters attend Free Palestine Coalition demonstration in London
