Tens of thousands of people marched across various cities in Britain in a strong display of support for Palestine on Saturday. London saw the largest gathering, with over 150,000 participants, and similar protests occurred in Cardiff, Glasgow, and Birmingham. In Salford, demonstrators gathered outside the BBC’s MediaCity headquarters, expressing their dissatisfaction with the media outlet’s reporting on the conflict.

Israeli forces have continued their airstrikes on Gaza following a significant number of casualties on both sides, with more than 1,400 Israelis killed due to an attack by Hamas on October 7. Israel’s relentless shelling and blockade of Gaza have resulted in over 4,300 Palestinian casualties, primarily civilians.

“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”

During the London rally, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn criticized the Conservative government for not supporting a UN resolution that would establish humanitarian corridors into Gaza.The US vetoed this resolution. Corbyn also accused the Prime Minister of involving the UK in a breach of international law by supporting the bombing of innocent civilians in Gaza.

The protesters at the rally chanted slogans like “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” Home Secretary Suella Braverman and others have raised concerns that these slogans and the act of waving Palestinian flags could be considered “racially aggravated,” potentially resulting in a violation of the Public Order Act. During the protest in London, ten individuals faced charges of public order violations.

Israeli Propaganda in Media

In Salford, protesters accused the BBC of presenting Israeli propaganda in its coverage of the conflict, particularly regarding the destruction of the al-Ahli Arab Christian Baptist hospital in Gaza. They argued that the BBC’s reporting lacked objectivity and supported Israel’s actions.

In Birmingham, protesters expressed similar concerns about the media’s coverage, describing it as “hostile, isolating, and prejudiced.” They felt that mainstream media did not adequately convey the reality of the situation in Gaza and Palestine.

One protester also expressed disappointment in the Labour Party’s stance on Israel, particularly after Keir Starmer’s statement that Israel “has the right” to cut off power and water in Gaza. Others shared this sentiment, and some indicated that local support for the party had diminished because of its stance on the issue.