Tens of Thousands Demand Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza Strip in London

Tens of thousands marched in central London on Saturday, December 4, calling for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. This is the latest demonstration in London since the outbreak of war between Israel and the militant group Hamas. The war began following Hamas's attacks on Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people, most of whom were civilians. According to Reuters, London police estimated that around 45,000 people participated in the march. The short four-day ceasefire in Gaza is the first break in the fighting between Israel and Hamas since October 7, but demonstrators stated that this pause is not enough. Some carried signs with slogans such as 'Ceasefire Now' and 'Stop the War in Gaza.' Kate Hudson, a 64-year-old protester, told Reuters, 'We need full support for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.' As an anti-war activist, she said, 'It is very nice that there is a pause... but this issue needs to be resolved so that Palestinians can ultimately reach a political solution emphasized in numerous UN resolutions.' In recent weeks, several officials from international organizations and countries around the world, including the United States, have stressed the need for a two-state solution. London police reported that by 7 PM GMT, 18 people had been arrested, including a man carrying a placard with broken crosses. At the same time, Ed Adlkan, deputy police chief of the British capital, stated, 'There was still a small minority who believed the law did not apply to them.' The role of the Islamic Republic and its proxy militant groups in exacerbating regional tensions coinciding with the war in Gaza was highlighted. Alireza Noorizadeh noted that Hamas lost 70% of its strength due to the October 7 actions and devastated Gaza. Reports from Farhadi Poladi detailed American efforts to secure the release of hostages and provide for the needs of civilians in Gaza. On the second day of exchanges, 17 Hamas hostages and 39 Palestinian prisoners were released. The temporary ceasefire in Gaza continues; the second group of hostages is being released. Biden stated, 'I will continue to work for the release of all hostages.'