Hundreds of protesters have assembled in Harrow today for a pro-Palestinian rally shortly before lunchtime.
The protest began at Katie’s Statue in Harrow Town Centre and comes nearly a month after the conflict began.
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in the town centre before marching towards the Harrow West Labour Office on Blenheim Road, West Harrow.
The protesters accused Gareth Thomas, Labour MP for Harrow West, of neglecting to call for a ceasefire.
Pamela Fitzpatrick, a Harrow Trades Council speaker at the march, said, “Gareth Thomas’ call this week for a ‘humanitarian pause’, so that innocent civilians in Gaza can get food and medical attention before the Israeli army resumes its bombing of them, is not an adequate or moral response to the slaughter of 10,000 people.”
A statement from Mr Thomas said, “I have watched with horror the unfolding crisis in the Middle East. The death of every civilian, Palestinian or Israeli, is an equal tragedy.
“Like so many in Harrow who care deeply about this issue, I agree that neither long term justice for the Palestinian people or long term security for the Israeli people can in the end be delivered by bombs and bullets.
“We must move towards a cessation of hostilities as quickly as is possible and the UK Government should be stepping up efforts to achieve international co-operation and a political roadmap to peace.”
The demonstration unfolded in a peaceful manner, with a significant police presence ensuring order at the scene.
Yesterday, Commander Karen Findlay, who is responsible for policing in London this week, said: “As we enter the fourth weekend of protest it is only right we continue to review and refine our policing approach.
“I have heard first hand from faith leaders and others of the devastating impact of recent events for Londoners”, she said.
“My message to our officers is clear – we will be taking positive action at every opportunity when we are alerted to crimes, particularly those which are inflammatory and fuelled by hate.”
“We will do everything in our power to ensure a fast, timely response and the necessary intervention.”
Protesters in Harrow displayed placards with messages such as ‘Brent and Harrow Palestine Solidarity’, ‘Stop Bombing Gaza’, and ‘Free Palestine’, all echoing their demand for an immediate ceasefire.
