On March 30th, Palestinians worldwide commemorate Land Day, an annual remembrance of the six unarmed Palestinians killed by Israeli forces during protests against land expropriation in 1976. This year, the ongoing Israeli bombardment of Gaza overshadows the sombre occasion. The Israeli military’s actions have killed and wounded tens of thousands of Palestinians, creating a devastating humanitarian crisis. In light of these events, we call upon all supporters of justice and human rights to join us in London for the eleventh National Demonstration, where we will demand an immediate ceasefire and an end to the genocide in Gaza.
Our movement has shown exceptional support for the Palestinian cause, with an estimated three million people in Britain participating in local and national demonstrations over the past six months. This unprecedented show of solidarity has not wavered, despite attempts at police repression and intimidation from government ministers. Despite Tory/Reform UK and pro-Zionist accusations of antisemitism and the absence of support from the opposition Labour leadership, the protests have continued and remained peaceful, demonstrating the unwavering commitment of people in Britain to stand up for justice and human rights.
As we take to the streets once again, our purpose extends beyond merely expressing solidarity. We are actively working to make it impossible for this Tory government to continue its complicity in the oppression of the Palestinian people. We demand an immediate ceasefire, no more weapons for Israel, let the aid flow, and an end to the genocide in Gaza. We are part of the movement that will ultimately secures Palestine’s freedom.
This Saturday will feature the first “from Ukraine to Palestine Occupation is a crime” bloc, in which marchers will draw links between the ongoing war in Ukraine against Russian imperialism and the Israeli settler colonialism faced by Palestinians. We recognise that both peoples are facing the devastating consequences of imperialism and oppression, and we stand in solidarity with all those fighting for their rights and freedom.
The upcoming local elections in May and the general election later this year provide an opportunity to raise awareness about the Palestinian cause. We can use electoral campaigns and protests in council chambers to pressure politicians to take a stand for Palestinian rights and make it a key issue in their campaigns. However, this must not distract from putting people on the streets, and demanding an end to the violence and suffering.
We must continue the local and national marches and direct action, such as shutting down Elbit. Rallies, protests (encouraging people to take part in the BDS movement), and other forms of resistance (such as joining with Just Stop Oil to shut the British Museum over its links with BP) on the ground should remain at the heart of the movement.
Join us on March 30th in London for the National Demonstration: Ceasefire Now—Stop the Genocide in Gaza! Stand united in our demand for an immediate ceasefire, justice, and freedom for the Palestinian people, and in solidarity with all those fighting against imperialism and oppression worldwide. Together, we can make a difference and be part of the movement that brings about lasting change.
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Already the backsliding begins. ITV news is reporting that the Government has changed one point in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. They have accepted that academies will retain their ‘freedom’ to set their own pay scales for teachers. So the criteria in the School Teachers Pay and Conditions document will only apply to teachers in Local Authority schools. Why have the Government climbed down on this issue? It’s not as if this is a major financial problem for academies. But what will be the next change/climb down by the Government? Will academies be exempt from the National Curriculum? Will Local Authorities be able to build schools according to the needs of their communities or will all new schools, as at present, have to be academies?