Manchester protesters gathered in Piccadilly Gardens yesterday in the second of a series of demonstrations showing solidarity for Gaza against what some dubbed ‘Nazi-like’ Israeli behaviour.
The protest is a response to the failed ceasefire between Israel and Palestine which has resulted in more bombing of the region and civilian deaths.
Protests are spreading throughout the UK with London and Birmingham and Manchester raising awareness and support for the Free Palestine movement.
SOLIDARITY: Palestinian supporters congregate at Piccadilly Gardens
Bolton student Jade Ellis attended the event and was vocal in her support for the movement.
She told MM: “This isn’t a war, this is genocide. It is very much like Nazi Germany.
“It’s not right that kids are living in war conditions, day in day out, and it is despicable that the government are turning their backs on people who need our help.”
SIGN OF THE TIMES: One protestor came with her own flag
Yesterday’s protest was a follow-up to one held last weekend.
Manchester teacher and protest organiser Louis Brehony explained that they wanted to maintain a presence in the city centre.
She said: “We are calling for solidarity and support for the resistance of Palestinians. It is important to boycott, combined with resistance and anti-racist movement.”
FREE PALESTINE: One protestor shows his support
UK protesters are also encouraging a boycott of products from Israel in order to cut ties with the country and show opposition of their behaviour towards Palestine.
“It’s unjust and unfair,” explained 57-year-old Christopher Ayton, a teacher from Manchester.
“The Zionists have pushed them into a corner 26 miles long and 6 miles wide. It is the most populated place on Earth.
DEMANDS FOR FREEDOM: One of many signs at the protest
“For 20 or 30 years, which is most of my life, Palestinians have been victimised just for being Palestinians.
“Everyone should be treated equally – gay or straight, woman or man, I want world peace and equality.”
Christopher, along with many other protestors, believes that social media will play a huge role in affecting change in Palestine.
CONTROVERSIAL: Another banner at the protest
He said: “The Palestinians will see the support on social media. They will see that they are not alone and they will see that there is a way out.
“I want to show my support for the Palestinians – that’s the least I can do. We have got to try and start somewhere”.
It seems they’re not the only ones supporting the cause as Barbadian singer Rihanna tweeted the hashtag #FreePalestine to her 36.4m followers but swiftly deleted it instead replacing it with a less controversial tweet regarding the conflict.
Let’s pray for peace and a swift end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict! Is there any hope?…. pic.twitter.com/jHD56KXkcu
— Rihanna (@rihanna) July 15, 2014
