Thousands of protesters gathered outside the UK parliament on Wednesday, demanding a full arms embargo on "Israel" and calling on the British government to impose immediate sanctions over the genocidal war in Gaza.

Organized under the campaign banner “Red Line for Palestine,” the demonstration unfolded during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) at the House of Commons.

The protest, organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), symbolically encircled the parliament building with a human chain to represent a moral boundary that the UK mustn't cross, which is arming the Israeli military accused of war crimes.

Demonstrators held signs and chanted, “Stop arming Israel” and “Full embargo now,” as outrage grows over the occupation’s military offensive and blockade on humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.

Lawmakers, celebrities join Gaza protest

Prominent figures joined the action, including several members of parliament and British actor Khalid Abdalla. A large banner reading “Starving children is a red line” was displayed near the parliament’s perimeter.

Abdalla declared that the action made clear “the government is complicit in this genocide.” Labour MP John McDonnell described the protest as “fundamentally important", saying the growing public presence on the streets reflects mounting demands for the UK to condemn "Israel’s" conduct in Gaza.

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Ben Jamal, director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, stated that the demonstration was meant to deliver a decisive message: “Our government must sanction Israel for its crimes against the Palestinian people.”

Protesters demand an arms embargo and sanctions

The Red Line for Palestine protest came amid increasing international condemnation of "Israel’s" ongoing genocide in Gaza and its violation of ceasefire agreements. Demonstrators called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to enact a total arms embargo, freeze bilateral defense contracts, and suspend diplomatic normalization.

Early Wednesday, Starmer described the latest Israeli offensive as “appalling, counterproductive, and intolerable,” a rare critique from a Western leader, though protesters argued that rhetoric must be matched with concrete policy action.

UK public opinion shifts on 'Israel’s' war

A poll published Wednesday revealed that a clear majority of the British public supports a full arms embargo on "Israel" and the imposition of sanctions in response to its actions in Gaza.

This growing shift in public sentiment places further pressure on Westminster to reassess its military and political alliance with the Israeli regime.

🚨 NEW Polling shows British public strongly backs sanctions on Israel

A new poll conducted by @OpiniumResearch for PSC shows broad public support for an arms trade ban, sanctions on Israeli ministers, supermarkets to boycott Israeli goods and Israel to be expelled from the UN. pic.twitter.com/4cEN1P5YtW

— Palestine Solidarity Campaign (@PSCupdates) June 4, 2025

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign noted that over the past year, support for Palestinian statehood and opposition to the UK’s arms exports to "Israel" have surged significantly, especially in light of escalating violence and mass civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip.

ICC, ICJ proceedings intensify global pressure

According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 54,607 Palestinians have been killed since "Israel" launched its brutal assault on Gaza in October 2023. The Israeli army resumed attacks on March 18, violating a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in place since January.

In November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Security Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Simultaneously, "Israel" stands accused in a separate genocide case brought before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), further fueling global calls for accountability against the illegal occupation state.