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Leeds Marches For Palestinian Voices

Hundreds of people marched through Leeds in a pro-Palestinian demonstration, campaigning for a ceasefire and an end to the violence in the Middle East.

Campaigners gathered outside The Leeds Art Gallery, ready to start their march. Photographed by Rajveer Kaur from Yorkshire Voice, 12 October 2024

As the conflict continues, protesters gathered in the city centre to raise further awareness and demand more action from the UK government.

The weekly march, which began at Leeds Art Gallery, covered some of the busiest shopping areas in the city centre, including The Headrow, Briggate, Boar Lane, and Park Row, before returning to the gallery.

Although this caused disruption to shoppers and delays to bus services, the demonstrators remained undeterred. Richard Harrison, PR Manager from First Buses Leeds, said: “We are aware of the situation, and we are given notice to plan for any disruptions to services, we have not been made aware of any complaints from customers”.

Shannon Coles, from Meanwood, has supported the Leeds Palestine Solidarity Campaign (LPSC) for over a year, running a stall selling Palestinian merchandise and refreshments to raise funds for the cause, she said: “We need to send a message to those in power, the UK needs to do more in negotiating a ceasefire. Nobody is listening to the people, we need to be the voice for the Palestinian people.”

The LPSC who organise the protests expressed frustration over what they see as a lack of adequate representation in Parliament by MPs. They believe they are not being heard by the UK government. Campaigners, who included members of the Jewish community, emphasised that they do not support Israel’s military actions and insist that these actions do not represent their beliefs. “This violence does not represent us or our values, we need the UK and the Israeli government to know this” said one demonstrator, from north Leeds.

Despite the demonstrations being peaceful, some supporters said they felt emotional, breaking down in tears of sadness, and were angered.

Police officers and police liaison officers were present to ensure all protesters and any opposition, could carry out their demonstrations without hostility, “We are here to ensure everyone is safe, and everyone gets home safety”, said one officer.

Many also said they felt powerless and claim there has been a continued and prolonged failure to act by the UK government, that those in positions of power were turning a blind eye, and making small gestures to show they are listening.

A press release issued on September 2nd by the UK government stated, “The government has taken the decision that the UK will suspend arms export licences to Israel for use in military operations in Gaza, following a review of Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law”.

The LPSC and its supporters in Leeds are determined to continue their weekly demonstrations, their hope is that putting pressure on governments across the world by all the national and global demonstrations will eventually aid in pushing for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The Leeds Palestine Society Campaign Chair leading weekly protests through Leeds City Centre, UK. Video by Rajveer Kaur from @yorkshirevoice5983 accessed 17 October 2024.

It is now one year on since Hamas launched an attack on Israel, to which Israel responded with airstrikes and a military offence primarily targeting Gaza.

The office for Fabian Hamilton, Labour MP for Leeds North East, and a member of the Jewish community was contacted for comment but did not respond by the time of publication.

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