From the river to the sea

Palestine will be free

On the 11^th of November 2023, the chants echoed through the very heart of London, marking a remarkable event that captured the city’s spirit. A 2.6-mile-long march, sustained for almost six hours from noon until 6 pm, became the epicentre of unity and passion. The National March for Gaza, an extraordinary gathering, showcased a side of London not witnessed before.

Diverse in age, ethnicity and origin, the multitude including participants from various parts of Europe, converged with a shared purpose: to call for an end to the ongoing genocide and an immediate ceasefire. The streets of London bore witness to this powerful demonstration of solidarity as people from all walks of life came together to raise their collective voice, demanding peace and justice for Gaza.

On that day, several major underground tube lines were closed. The closure was officially attributed to “planned industrial work.” However, there was a perception among many that these were not coincidental but rather a deliberate effort to discourage participation in the protest. Despite the logistical challenges posed by these disruptions, 300,000 demonstrators marched peacefully.

The suffering and loss in Palestine are sadly not novel. Nor is the global awareness of the ongoing crisis. So, what has changed the dynamics to mobilise such a significant response this time? To seek an answers to this question, I went and participated in the march.

The predominant presence were the youth, ranging from early twenties to mid-thirties. Maya, a 23-year-old British participant, expressed a sentiment echoed by many in her generation. She said that the images and videos on platforms like Instagram and TikTok had woven a connection between her daily life and the stark reality of a seemingly one-sided war.

“My heart bleeds when I see the images of little children dying, drenched in their own blood. I can’t physically be there to change their circumstances. Being here and shouting for a ceasefire, I believe it’s the least I can do from my privileged position,” she said. Her words carried a call for action, resonating with a generation refusing to remain passive in the face of injustice. Information technology became the source for her motivation.

As per data from the House of Commons Library, migration statistics over the past quarter-century reveal a notable surge in both immigration and emigration, reaching unprecedented levels. From 1998 to 2020, the scales tipped consistently in favour of immigration, surpassing emigration by over 100,000 each year. This surge occurred against the backdrop of heightened global conflicts with the year 2000 witnessing peak turmoil in Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia and Yugoslavia.

The children who sought refuge in the UK two decades ago have matured into young adults. They are capable of a unique empathise with those in Gaza. Having personally experienced the harrowing horrors of war, these individuals bring not just a theoretical understanding but a profound, first-hand resonance to the ongoing crisis.

“If we all thought our presence wouldn’t make a difference, there would be fewer of us here. Our resistance draws a clear line between the people and government policies.”

Amir, who arrived in the UK from Afghanistan in the 2000s, fervently chanted “one two three four, occupation no more” through his microphone at the march. When asked why he was there and what difference it would make, he smiled and paused before responding. “Just look around,” he said, gesturing to the multitude of people. “If we all thought our presence wouldn’t make a difference, there would be fewer of us here. Our resistance draws a clear line between the people and government policies.”

Reflecting on his journey, Amir said, “I was very young when I came to the UK but the memories of leaving our homes during the conflict in Afghanistan, where half of my family perished, are vivid. I can’t sit at home and do nothing.”

Their lived experiences imbue the call for peace and justice with a deeply personal dimension, creating a bridge between the past traumas they endured and the urgent need for collective action in the present.
At the National March, I also came across Joshua, a middle-aged Jew from London, whose presence carried a profound message. When asked about his motivation for participating, his response was concise. “I am here to guard my identity,” he said, emphasising the distinction between the Jewish community and the political ideology of Zionism.

Joshua went on to elaborate, “We, Jews, are not involved in this genocide. We have endured the unspeakable horrors of the Holocaust. It is inconceivable for us to inflict similar pain on others.”

Another factor visible in the UK is the increasing awareness and discourse on decolonisation. The conversation has evolved and gained momentum over time, marking a noteworthy societal shift. The growing acknowledgement of historical injustices, colonial legacies and their consequences has become a central theme in public discourse. This evolving awareness is contributing to a more nuanced understanding of global conflicts, fostering a collective responsibility to address not only the immediate crises, like that in Gaza but also their root causes embedded in historical and colonial contexts.

In the context of the atrocities in Gaza, personal experiences and the spread of awareness through social media and technology have become pivotal factors in mobilising individuals to stand against the violence. These platforms have provided a channel for first-hand accounts and opened a digital space from where they can voice their resistance.

Coming out of their homes and speaking up against the violence, in whatever capacity, has emerged as a tangible manifestation of their collective determination to resist and denounce the ongoing wrongs.

Huda Ikram is a journalist based in London. She has worked with BBC Urdu and various media outlets in Pakistan. She reports on Pakistani politics and is interested in diplomacy and global politics. Her X handle: @HudaIkram