Tens of thousands gathered in central London on Saturday in a major show of support for the Palestinian cause, as part of a coordinated global effort marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

The demonstration, organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Stop the War Coalition, and other allied groups, began at Park Lane near Hyde Park at 12:00 PM local time. Protesters carried Palestinian flags and banners denouncing the ongoing blockade on Gaza and demanding unrestricted humanitarian access.

The march proceeded to Whitehall, where demonstrators rallied outside government buildings to condemn British complicity in the aggression against Gaza. Calls to end UK arms exports to "Israel" and stop support for its nuclear capabilities were prominently featured.

The protest comes amid ongoing Israeli violations of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement that came into effect on October 10. However, Palestinian authorities have documented over 500 Israeli breaches, resulting in the martyrdom of over 354 Palestinians and the injury of another 906.

Similar protests were held in Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield, Cambridge, and Edinburgh, among others.

On Friday, Arab and international activists commemorated the International Day for Solidarity with the Palestinian People in al-Saha Hotel in #Beirut.

Amid a war that has left more than 200,000 Palestinians dead or injured, the commemoration served as a powerful reminder of… pic.twitter.com/UCy9Uii5ec

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) November 29, 2025

UK protesters challenge crackdown on pro-Palestine activism

Beyond ceasefire violations in Gaza, the London rally also spotlighted growing domestic tensions in the UK. Protesters condemned a July 2025 government move to label the direct-action group Palestine Action as a terrorist entity. This decision has been legally challenged in a judicial review, which took place from November 25 to 27.

Demonstrators carried signs reading, "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action," in an act of civil disobedience. Under current UK law, such expressions of support could result in criminal charges. The "Lift the Ban" campaign formed a key pillar of the rally, linking the fight for Palestinian liberation with the defense of civil liberties in Britain.

Pat is 85. She’s been arrested under section 13 of the Terrorism Act in Manchester for holding & refusing to put away a sign that reads “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine action.” pic.twitter.com/vBLZM1rJGY

— Harriet Williamson (@harriepw) November 29, 2025

Pro-Palestine protests in 13 cities

The Global Movement to Gaza announced coordinated protests across 13 major cities on November 29 to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The rallies aim to denounce Western support for "Israel’s" ongoing genocide in Gaza, now entering its third year.

Protests will take place in Berlin, Rome, Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, Oslo, Vienna, Warsaw, Luxembourg, Cape Town, Washington, DC, Mexico City, and São Paulo.

Organizers say the coordinated actions are designed to expose the complicity of European and North American governments in "Israel’s" war on Gaza. The movement accuses these states of enabling the genocide through arms exports, political backing, and economic ties.

Origins of the International Day of Solidarity

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People was established by the UN General Assembly through Resolution 32/40 B in 1977. The day was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the Partition Plan of 29 November 1947, which partitioned Palestine into a Palestinian state and a Jewish state, giving Jewish immigrants 56% of historical Palestine. 

While the UN frames the day as a reminder of its commitment to the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, critics argue it also serves as a reminder of the international community’s failure to resolve the root injustices of occupation and forced displacement.

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