Thousands of pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered in central London on Saturday to voice their opposition to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial suggestion that the United States should “take over” the Gaza Strip. The rally, which drew widespread attention, was organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) and marked the 24th major pro-Palestinian protest in the city since October 7, 2023. Participants waved Palestinian flags and carried banners with messages 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 began at Whitehall in Westminster and concluded at the U.S. embassy in Nine Elms, southwest London, with protesters expressing outrage over Trump’s proposal to redevelop Gaza and turn it into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
Trump’s plan, which has been met with global condemnation, involves resettling Palestinians elsewhere without providing any pathway for their return. Critics argue that this proposal is not only unrealistic but also morally and legally flawed. Stephen Kapos, an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor, described the idea as “completely immoral, illegal, impractical, and absurd.” Kapos emphasized the impossibility of deporting two million people, especially since neighboring countries have already made it clear they will not accept them, citing concerns about destabilization. He stressed that while the plan may not come to fruition, its mere suggestion causes significant harm by undermining hopes for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The protest in London coincided with a recent prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel, part of a fragile ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Earlier on Saturday, Hamas released three Israeli captives in exchange for the freedom of hundreds of Palestinians from Israeli prisons. This marked the sixth batch of prisoners exchanged under the ceasefire deal, and Hamas framed the release as a message to Israel, stating, “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 exchange has been seen as a rare moment of cooperation amid the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in the region.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the death toll continuing to rise. According to the Government Media Office, at least 61,709 people have been killed, with thousands more presumed dead under the rubble. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has resulted in the deaths of over 48,239 people and injured 111,676, while Hamas’s initial attack on October 7 led to the deaths of at least 1,100 people and the capture of approximately 240 individuals. The devastation has deepened the humanitarian crisis, with widespread displacement and infrastructure destroyed. The international community has called for an immediate ceasefire and increased aid to address the escalating suffering.
The protest in London was not without tension, as a heavy police presence was deployed to separate the pro-Palestine demonstrators from a counter-protest called “Stop the Hate.” Participants in the counter-protest waved Israeli flags, reflecting the deep divisions and polarized opinions surrounding the conflict. The clashes between the two groups highlight the emotional and complex nature of the issue, with both sides fiercely defending their positions. The police worked to maintain order and prevent any violence, though the atmosphere remained charged with tension.
The march in London underscores the growing international solidarity with the Palestinian cause, as well as the outrage over Trump’s proposed takeover of Gaza. Critics argue that such proposals only serve to further entrench the conflict, ignore the rights of the Palestinian people, and disregard the complexities of the region. For many, the protest was not just a rejection of Trump’s plan but also a call for justice, equality, and a lasting peace that recognizes the rights of Palestinians to live in dignity and freedom. As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, global advocacy and pressure on world leaders to address the crisis remain critical in the pursuit of a sustainable and equitable resolution.
