Former shadow labor chancellor John McDonnell has urged thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters in London to ignore the Israeli ceasefire in Gaza. Those on the Labor left continued to stoke Palestinian tensions despite Israel’s declaration of a ceasefire in the conflict on Thursday. Thousands of protesters took to the streets of central London earlier in the day in solidarity with the Palestinian people in the wake of the conflict.
Mr McDonnell, who is a prominent figure on the radical Labor left, called on activists to continue pushing the boycott, divestment and sanction (BDS) campaign against Israel.
Speaking on a stage in Hyde Park to thousands of supporters, the Labor MP said: “Yes, a ceasefire has been negotiated and we welcome a ceasefire.
“But let’s be clear, there will be no ceasefire in our campaign to boycott, divest and sanction the Israeli apartheid state.
“The message is clear, we will not end our solidarity campaign until there is justice.
“So let’s be clear, no justice, no peace.”
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Crowds responded with glee to the speech, as protesters set off fireworks and colorful smoke in response.
Protesters in London could be seen wearing costumes, masks and make-up, while others were draped in the Palestinian flag.
The protest, organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), saw large crowds block traffic and close roads near Victoria Embankment on Saturday afternoon under the surveillance of dozens of police.
Protesters called for an “urgent” resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Left-wing Labor group Socialist Campaign Group Rally issued ceasefire statement demanding UK government “impose sanctions on Israel for repeated violations of international law, impose sales embargo weapons and put an end to trade with illegal settlements “.
He also called for “fully supporting the opening by the International Criminal Court of an investigation into alleged war crimes in the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel”.
Former Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn, along with John McDonnell, Richard Burgon, Diane Abbott and Ian Lavery all signed the declaration.
At least 230 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes that raged for 11 days.
It is believed that 12 people were also killed in Israel as a result of rocket attacks by the terrorist group Hamas.
Hours after the ceasefire came into effect, the first humanitarian aid convoys arrived in Gaza.
Palestinian officials warn that tens of millions of dollars will be needed to rebuild the region already hard hit by COVID-19.
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This notice was published: 2021-05-22 15:45:00
