Today’s demonstration in London under the slogan “Stop Gaza Massacre” was bigger, younger, more militant and ethnically diverse than any since the early days of the movement against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Even though it was called by Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Stop the War Coalition, British Muslim Initiative, CND, Respect and more than 30 organisations it was a triumph of spontaneous anger. Any demonstration called at three or four days notice over the New Year holiday period which can fill Trafalgar Square and its terrace must be connecting with a real sense of outrage. An estimate of 50-60 000 would be my guess for the numbers present.
The size of the crowd surprised everyone. The organisers hadn’t had time to get the customary video screens and the 
public address system struggled to make the speakers heard across the throng and over the chanting of “Free, free Palestine” which erupted periodically. The only speech that was fully audible to me was Ken Livingstone’s. He called for a withdrawal of the British ambassador to the Israeli State on a ban on imports from there of foodstuffs grown on stolen Palestinian land. Referring to his radio show he said that he was getting three calls in support of the Palestinians to every one defending the Israeli murder machine. Livingstone also made the point that the people of London overwhelmingly supported the right of the Palestinians to have their own state.
This was not a routine demonstration. Revulsion and fury at the Israeli campaign of mass murder against the people of Gaza drew thousands of young people, particularly young Muslims onto the streets and there was a strong representation of Muslim organisations. It is certain that the terrorisation and slow starvation of Gaza will continue and it is probable that the Israeli State will invade the Palestinian territory. Ongoing mobilisations, meetings and practical solidarity with the people of Gaza has to be a priority in the coming weeks.
En France
And then this
Stop the War Coalition
Press Release
Saturday 3 January 2009
Contact: Andrew Burgin 07939 242 229
Police attack Gaza demonstration in London. Riot police trap protestors in Hyde Park underpass.
George Galloway MP was among protestors on their way this evening to a demonstration at the Israeli Embassy in Kensington High Street when they were trapped in the Hyde Park underpass by riot police. The protestors were making their way to the embassy following the demonstration in
Trafalgar Square this afternoon, attended by tens of thousands protesting against Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza Strip.
Dozens of protestors, Mr Galloway and his daughter among them, were thrown to the floor by police charges and a number of people were injured. “It was very frightening,” said Mr Galloway. “The police trapped us in the tunnel and attacked us repeatedly.”
Stop the War intends to make the strongest complaint to the Metropolitan Police. “I have never seen such irresponsible behaviour by the police on a demonstration,” said Andrew Burgin, a national officer of Stop the War Coalition.
The earlier march and demonstration calling for an end to Israel’s attack on Gaza had been entirely peaceful, as a packed Trafalgar Square listened to speeches from singer Annie Lennox, Clare Short MP, representatives from the Muslim community and many others.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Andrew Burgin
07939 242 229
Press Office
Stop the War Coalition
27 Britannia Street
London WC1X 9JP
www.stopwar.org.uk
Liam redux 
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