Demonstrators to Mark 78th Anniversary of the Nakba as Gaza Conflict and West Bank Tensions Continue
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to gather in London on Saturday for a large-scale demonstration marking the 78th anniversary of the Nakba, as organisers renew calls for the British government to end its political, military and economic support for Israel.
The annual march, organised by pro-Palestinian groups and coalition partners, comes as fighting and humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to draw international attention. Organisers say this year’s event will focus on Britain’s role in relation to Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
The Nakba, meaning “catastrophe” in Arabic, refers to the displacement of an estimated 750,000 Palestinians and the destruction of more than 500 towns and villages during the creation of the state of Israel in 1948. The annual commemoration is observed globally by Palestinians and solidarity groups.
According to organisers, demonstrators will assemble at Exhibition Road in South Kensington before marching to Pall Mall, where a rally featuring political speakers, activists and civil society representatives is scheduled to take place.
Gaza War Remains Central Focus of Demonstration
The protest is taking place against the backdrop of the continuing conflict in Gaza, where Israel’s military campaign and blockade have resulted in widespread destruction and a severe humanitarian crisis.
Organisers claim that at least 72,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, with more than 170,000 injured. They also point to extensive damage across the territory, saying approximately 90 per cent of infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed.
The demonstration’s organisers accuse Israel of deliberately restricting access to food, medicine and shelter supplies entering Gaza. Israel has consistently stated that its military operations are aimed at dismantling Hamas and securing the release of hostages taken during the October 2023 attacks.
The latest humanitarian assessment from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs highlights ongoing concerns over civilian conditions and access to aid in the Gaza Strip.
Concerns Over West Bank Escalation
Alongside the situation in Gaza, organisers say the protest will also address growing tensions in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
They point to increased settlement expansion, military operations and violence involving Israeli settlers and soldiers. Particular concern has been raised over measures approved earlier this year by Israel’s security cabinet that critics argue strengthen Israeli governance over parts of the West Bank.
International legal experts and several governments have continued to debate the legality of Israeli settlements under international law, an issue that remains highly contested.
British Government Faces Criticism Over Israel Policy
A central theme of the march will be criticism of the British government’s continued arms exports and diplomatic relationship with Israel.
Protest organisers argue that the UK has failed to take meaningful action despite mounting international concern over civilian casualties and humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Simon Foster, deputy director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), sharply criticised Britain’s position ahead of the demonstration.
Organisers Accuse UK of Enabling Israeli Actions
“After 78 years of Nakba we know that the rationalisations that have allowed the British political establishment to normalise Israel’s ethnic cleansing, military occupation, apartheid, and now genocide, are exhausted. There can be no valid reason or excuse for complicity in Israel’s war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The Nakba began in 1948, but it was not a single event, it is ongoing. The same logic of ethnic supremacism, use of overwhelming violence and disregard of international law is being displayed by Israel now as it was then. This can only continue and worsen because Israel is afforded impunity by states such as Britain, which refuses to use the range of mechanisms of boycott, divestment and sanction available to it, and instead treat Israel as an ally.
Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper want to continue to assert they are doing everything they can. But their words are empty of meaning when we see them continuing to supply the Israeli military and cover up for the crimes of its state. History will condemn them, and one day they will be held accountable for their actions.”
The British government has rejected accusations that it is complicit in genocide and has maintained that it complies with domestic and international legal obligations regarding arms exports and foreign policy.
Demonstration Coincides With Far-Right Rally
Saturday’s march will take place on the same day as a separate far-right demonstration organised by the “Unite the Kingdom” group, associated with Tommy Robinson.
Organisers of the Palestine march criticised the Metropolitan Police decision to allow the far-right rally to take place in Whitehall while directing the Nakba march to Pall Mall. They also raised concerns about previous incidents of violence and racist rhetoric linked to demonstrations involving Robinson supporters.
Police are expected to maintain a significant security presence across central London due to the scale and political sensitivity of both events.
Speakers and Coalition Groups Confirmed
Speakers at the Pall Mall rally are expected to include Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah, Rafeef Ziadah and Ahmed Al Nouq, alongside members of parliament, trade union representatives and civil society leaders.
Coalition partners supporting the demonstration include the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Stop the War Coalition, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), Muslim Association of Britain, Friends of Al Aqsa and the Palestine Forum in Britain.
The march is scheduled to begin at noon, with the rally due to start at 2 p.m.