The protest comes after Hamas handed over three male Israeli captives as part of the ceasefire agreement
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of London on Saturday in a mass protest against former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent suggestion that the United States should “take over” the Gaza Strip. The march, organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), saw protesters waving Palestinian flags and holding placards condemning Trump’s controversial remarks.
The demonstration, which began in Whitehall, Westminster, and proceeded to the U.S. Embassy in Nine Elms, southwest London, was the 24th major pro-Palestinian protest in the city since the Israel-Gaza conflict intensified on October 7, 2023. Protesters carried signs with slogans such as “Hands off Gaza,” “Stand up to Trump,” and “Mr. Trump, Canada is not your 51st state. Gaza is not your 52nd.” The march was met with a significant police presence, ensuring that demonstrators remained separate from a smaller counter-protest called “Stop the Hate,” where participants waved Israeli flags.
Trump’s Proposal Sparks Global Condemnation
Earlier this month, Trump’s remarks regarding Gaza ignited international outrage. The former U.S. president proposed a plan to redevelop the war-torn region and transform it into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” However, his plan included relocating the Palestinian population to other countries, without provisions for their return. Critics have slammed the proposal as unrealistic and unethical.
Among those condemning Trump’s idea was 87-year-old Holocaust survivor Stephen Kapos, who described the proposal as “completely immoral, illegal, impractical, and absurd.” Kapos emphasized that forcibly displacing two million Palestinians was not a feasible solution, particularly as neighboring countries have refused to absorb them. “Not out of the goodness of their hearts, but because it would destabilize those countries,” he said. “So, it’s not going to happen, but it does a lot of damage simply stating that as an endgame.”
Rising Death Toll in Gaza
The protest comes amid escalating violence in Gaza, where Israel’s military campaign has led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. According to the Government Media Office, more than 61,709 people have been killed, with thousands still missing beneath the rubble. Official numbers indicate at least 48,239 fatalities, while over 111,676 people have been wounded since the conflict began.
The violence initially erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel that resulted in the deaths of at least 1,100 people and the capture of approximately 240 individuals. In response, Israel launched a large-scale retaliatory campaign targeting Hamas-controlled areas in Gaza, resulting in extensive casualties and destruction.
Fragile Ceasefire and Prisoner Exchange
On the same day as the London protest, Hamas and Israel conducted a prisoner exchange as part of a fragile ceasefire agreement. Hamas released a group of captives in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners who had been held in Israeli jails. This marked the latest round of releases under the ongoing negotiations between the two sides.
Following the exchange, Hamas issued a statement reaffirming that such negotiations remain the only viable method for securing the release of hostages. “The release of the sixth batch of enemy prisoners confirms there is no way to free them except through negotiations and by adhering to the requirements of the ceasefire agreement,” the statement read.
Despite this temporary truce, tensions remain high, and the overall humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Human rights organizations have called for an immediate and sustained ceasefire, arguing that further hostilities would only exacerbate the suffering of civilians.
Protests Reflect Global Outrage
The London demonstration is part of a broader wave of global protests condemning Trump’s proposal and the ongoing violence in Gaza. Across Europe and North America, pro-Palestinian activists have mobilized, urging world leaders to take stronger action to end the bloodshed and prevent forced displacement.
While Trump has yet to provide further details about his proposed Gaza redevelopment plan, his remarks have been widely criticized by political leaders, activists, and international organizations. Many fear that such rhetoric could escalate tensions in an already volatile region.
Meanwhile, protesters in London vowed to continue their demonstrations until there is meaningful action toward peace and justice for the Palestinian people. A PSC spokesperson emphasized that the international community must hold world leaders accountable for their policies regarding Gaza and the broader Middle East. “Trump’s proposal is not just dangerous—it is a blatant attempt to erase Palestinian identity and sovereignty,” the spokesperson stated. “We will not stand by as these injustices continue.”
As the crisis in Gaza unfolds, protests like the one in London highlight the global outrage over policies perceived as unjust and destabilizing. With no end in sight to the violence, demonstrators and activists are calling for urgent intervention to ensure the protection of civilian lives and uphold international law. Whether Trump’s controversial proposal will gain traction remains to be seen, but for those marching in London, the message is clear: the world is watching, and the fight for justice is far from over.
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