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Gaza Cease Fire Protests Continue in London

by TFleming | January 10, 2009 at 12:55 pm

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The latest protest today comes from London where thousands of demonstrators marched to the gates of the Israeli Embassy to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The Metropolitan Police says 20,000 people marched but the BBC estimates the figure could be as high as 50,000.

It is estimated there were several hundred police officers dealing with around 200 protesters outside the embassy.

This group are being allowed to leave the cordon one at a time, some are being identified by police and are being taken away for questioning.

BBC correspondent Robert Hall said given the number of people involved, the protest had been peaceful.

"But as darkness fell a small number of people, several hundred, have begun confronting police and missiles have been thrown," he said.

"Although these are ugly and unwelcome scenes, they do not represent what has happened for most of the afternoon."

Although the nature of the protest was peaceful some isolated incidences became serious issues for the Metropolitan Police. There have been reports of protesters destroying security barriers and throwing random objects at officers. One man has been arrested for aggravated trespass and two others were arrested for assault on a police officer.

The protests were organized by several groups including the Stop War Coalition, The British Muslim Initiative, The Palestine Solidarity Campaign and demonstrated in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Belfast, Newcastle and Southampton. On Sunday another protest is expected in Trafalgar Square and is organized by the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

In the last three weeks Israel has launched 40 overnight air strikes killing an estimated 800 Palestinians. On the other hand, Hamas militants have counter attacked with rocket attacks on Israeli towns killing an estimated 13 Israeli's.

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Paschen

at 13:50 on January 10th, 2009

Well balanced post and showing both ends. I just hope it wont end up targeting Jews. people have to make a clear distinction between Judaism and Israel and not mix the two. Israel has to be stopped and its leaders tried for Crimes against Humanity, however not the Jews. Israel is Guilty not the Jews nor Judaism. It is very important to make and to keep a clear distinction of the two. Two wrong won't make it right.

We do however have two post out on London march with in 4 minutes off posting. Rather close and would not show in search wither in such close intervals.

Nixxy

at 15:27 on January 10th, 2009

Further to my comments in response to similar articles I would like to state that the incident in which a police officer was injured was not in fact in front of the Israeli Embassy as widely reported but at a flash point created by the police on Kensington High Street (outside TX Maxx for anyone that knows the area). At this point the police unnecessarily blocked the peaceful march and prevented people continuing on to the rally point that was designated as the end point of the march where a range of speakers were being transmitted to a large screen. I make this statement as someone that was at the front of crowd at this point and was forcefully pushed back by police in riot gear whilst trying to reach my friends ahead of me.

I would also like to echo Paschen's comment about Israeli culpability not Jewish responsibilty.