Pro-Palestine protesters across the United Kingdom staged demonstrations on Wednesday demanding that the British government impose an arms embargo and economic sanctions against Israel over its ongoing military operations in Gaza. The protests, organized by several rights groups and solidarity organizations, come amid growing international outrage over the humanitarian crisis in the besieged Palestinian territory.
Demonstrators gathered outside government buildings and in major city centers, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow, holding Palestinian flags and banners reading “Stop Arming Israel” and “Sanctions Now.” The rallies were part of a coordinated national day of action, coinciding with renewed calls from advocacy groups for the UK to halt all arms exports to Israel.
Protesters accused the British government of complicity in what they described as Israel’s violations of international law. “Our message is clear: as long as the UK continues to trade arms with Israel, it is aiding the destruction of Gaza,” said a spokesperson for the UK-based Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), one of the leading organizers of the protests.
The demonstrations follow mounting pressure on the UK government from civil society and some lawmakers to review its military exports. According to government data, the UK has approved hundreds of millions of pounds in arms licenses to Israel in recent years, including components used in drones, aircraft, and targeting systems.
In Parliament, opposition MPs have called for a suspension of all arms sales to Israel, citing the risk that British-made equipment could be used in operations that violate human rights. Labour MP Zarah Sultana, speaking in support of the protests, said, “The UK must not be complicit in war crimes. We need an immediate arms embargo and sanctions on those responsible.”
The calls for sanctions intensified following the recent escalation of violence in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes have killed thousands and destroyed homes, hospitals, and critical infrastructure. The United Nations and various humanitarian groups have condemned the level of destruction and warned of an unfolding catastrophe, with the majority of Gaza’s population displaced and aid operations severely hindered.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government has so far resisted calls for an arms embargo, stating that it maintains a “robust” licensing process and does not approve exports that risk violating international humanitarian law. A government spokesperson reiterated that position on Wednesday, asserting that all defense exports are subject to ongoing review and legal compliance.
However, critics argue that the government’s stance is insufficient and undermines the UK’s commitment to international norms. Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both urged the UK to suspend military cooperation with Israel until independent investigations into alleged violations are conducted.
Wednesday’s protests also called for broader sanctions targeting Israeli officials and institutions accused of perpetrating or supporting military operations in Gaza. Some demonstrators demanded the suspension of UK-Israel trade agreements and increased diplomatic pressure to push for a ceasefire and the protection of civilians.
Protests were largely peaceful, though heavily policed. Organizers have pledged to continue mobilizing until the UK changes its policy on Israel. “We won’t stop until the government takes real action to end its support for apartheid and occupation,” said a PSC representative.
The demonstrations reflect a growing shift in public sentiment in parts of the UK, where recent polling has shown increasing concern over the Gaza crisis and support for stronger action against Israel. Whether the government responds with policy changes remains to be seen, but protest leaders say their campaign will only intensify in the coming weeks.
Source; Al Jazeera
