UK PM Calls to Skip Pro-Palestinian Protests on Oct 7

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged students to forgo planned pro-Palestinian protests marking the second anniversary of Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

He labeled the demonstrations disrespectful, particularly after a recent deadly attack outside a Manchester synagogue that killed two people, one by a gunshot likely from police.

Planned Demonstrations Across UK

Students from London universities planned a walkout at 2:00 pm, followed by a march through the capital. Events, including vigils, were also set for Edinburgh, Glasgow, Sheffield, and Manchester.

Starmer, writing in a major newspaper, criticized recurring pro-Palestinian protests, claiming some exploit them to target British Jews unfairly.

Rising Antisemitism Concerns

Starmer condemned the protests as lacking empathy, especially amid growing antisemitism in the UK. He referenced the Manchester attack, which occurred on Yom Kippur, as a troubling sign.

“This divisiveness contradicts our national values,” he wrote, pledging to protect Jewish communities from hatred.

Jewish Bloc and Activist Response

The Jewish Bloc for Palestine rejected claims that pro-Palestinian protests threaten Jews, accusing the government of misrepresenting their cause.

Separately, activist Zoe Cohen from Defend Our Juries argued that equating protests with antisemitism wrongly links Israel’s actions to all Jewish people. “Many Jews oppose Israel’s policies,” she stated.

Hamas Attack and Gaza Conflict

The 2023 Hamas attack killed 1,219 people, mostly civilians, per Israeli data. Militants took 251 hostages, with 47 still in Gaza, 25 believed dead.

Israel’s response has caused over 67,160 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Starmer vowed to work for the release of British hostages.

UK’s Stance on Peace

Last month, the UK recognized a Palestinian state, aligning with allies. Starmer welcomed a US-led Middle East peace initiative.

Despite his plea, pro-Palestinian protests occurred over the weekend, undeterred by the Manchester incident.

Commemorative Events

On Sunday, around 3,000 people gathered in London to mark the October 7 anniversary. They waved Israeli and UK flags and displayed hostage posters, highlighting the ongoing impact of the conflict.

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