Pro-Palestine demonstrators in the UK demand an arms embargo against Israel, along with economic sanctions; their rally comes after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer labels Israel's actions as 'unacceptable' in a speech to Parliament members.

Pro-Palestine Demonstrators Demand Action Against Israel's Aggression in Gaza

Activists supportive of Palestine have mobilized outside the British Parliament, demanding severe actions against Israel's lethal onslaught against the besieged Gaza Strip. Organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), the demonstration marked a call for a complete arms embargo and harsh economic sanctions against the Israeli government.

The rally took place as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer fielded questions from parliamentarians on Wednesday. Thousands of protesters formed a “Red Line for Palestine,” dressed in red, encircling the building.

Starmer expressed disgust towards Israel's actions in Gaza, labeling them as "appalling" and "intolerable." He highlighted the UK's opposition to Israeli military expansions, settler violence, and the obstruction of humanitarian aid. Starmer also acknowledged the sanctions the UK had imposed, the suspension of free trade negotiations, and the consideration of extending these measures.

Critics, however, have accused the UK leader, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and the government of insufficient verbal and practical support early in the conflict and of inadequate action during the current crisis as Palestinians grapple with what United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has termed the "most brutal phase of this inhumane confrontation."

Al Jazeera’s Rory Challands, reporting from London, noted the demonstration endured for several hours and persisted throughout Starmer's full speech to Parliament. Protesters formed a barrier extending from Parliament to the first bridge crossing the River Thames and returned to create a comprehensive loop around Parliament.

Challands explained that the protesters aimed to symbolize the absence of the UK government's stringent boundaries when it comes to Gaza. He suggested that there should have been clearer barriers in place, particularly before the 54,000 fatalities reported.

In his address, Starmer urged an end to the blockade and championed swift humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza. Israel has maintained a crippling siege on Gaza, hindering the influx of essential resources such as food, medicine, clean water, and fuel for generators. As a result, more than two million individuals now face starvation, according to the UN's dire warning.

The US-backed aid organization, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), temporarily halted operations after Israeli forces opened fire on desperate aid seekers multiple times, killing dozens and wounding hundreds since the organization's commencement of operations in Gaza on May 27. The fatal shootings of people searching for food supplies have sparked alarm worldwide, with some asserting that aid is being weaponized, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres demanding an independent inquiry.

As of now, the death toll in Israel's attack on Gaza stands at 54,607, with 125,341 wounded, according to the Health Ministry.

France is spearheading an international conference with Saudi Arabia from June 17 to 20, 2025, to support the two-state solution, aiming to generate meaningful progress in peace and security for Israel and Palestine[1].
Several countries, including France, Canada, and the UK, have voiced their concerns over Israel's military campaign in Gaza and issued warnings regarding further actions if Israel doesn't alter its policies[3].
The European Union is reevaluating its association agreement with Israel due to concerns over human rights violations, and some member states advocate for economic sanctions[3].
The UK has suspended free trade negotiations with Israel and imposed additional sanctions against West Bank settlers[3].
UN experts have called for immediate international intervention to prevent additional humanitarian crises and potential genocide in Gaza, underscoring the legal obligations of nations to protect civilians[5].
The Security Council failed to adopt a resolution aimed at enhancing the situation in Gaza due to a veto by the United States[2].

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The demonstrators, in their demand for action against Israel's aggression in Gaza, called for strict arms embargoes and economic sanctions, suggesting that the UK government's response had been insufficient during the conflict.
Critics of the UK government, including protesters, have argued that the UK, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, should have implemented stronger measures earlier in the war and conflict, and might still be inadequately addressing the crisis.
The unfolding situation in Gaza remains a critical health concern, with more than two million individuals now facing starvation due to Israel's crippling siege, according to the UN's dire warning.
In the midst of war-and-conflicts worldwide, the current impasse between Israel and Palestine, particularly in Gaza, is a topic of general-news interest and political debate, with ongoing calls for international intervention to alleviate suffering and promote peace.

Pro-Palestine demonstrators in the UK demand an arms embargo against Israel, along with economic sanctions; their rally comes after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer labels Israel's actions as 'unacceptable' in a speech to Parliament members.