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Thousands demonstrate against the Balfour Declaration
Protesters marched from the US Embassy towards Parliament
November 5, 2017 12:23
Protesters marched from the US Embassy towards Parliament
November 5, 2017 12:23More than 5000 people attended a protest on Saturday in London against the Balfour Declaration.
The rally was organised by the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, the Stop The War Coalition, the Friends of Al Aqsa and the Muslim Association Of Britain.
It also recived trade union backing.
The National Union of Teachers, Unison, the GMB, Aslef and Unite The Union were among a near unanimous show of support from the union movement for the Justice Now: Make It Right For Palestine demonstration.
Speakers included director Ken Loach, MP Andy Slaughter, and Baroness Jenny Tonge. Jeremy Corbyn adressed the crowd via a video link as did MP Diane Abbott.
Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell also attended the march.
Marching for #Palestine today, against Israel’s West Bank occupation & Balfour betrayal of #Palestinian rights #Balfour100 @PSCupdates pic.twitter.com/r1ARb8oWbV
— Peter Tatchell Fdn (@PT_Foundation) November 4, 2017
Protesters marched from the US Embassy towards Westminster. They held banners which said the Balfour Declaration was a "disaster" for the Palestinians.
One protestor wearing a Palestinian flag was caught on film saying there were “concentration camps” in Palestinian villages.
Counter demonstrators also held their own protest and displayed Israeli flags.
The protest took place during Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to London, where he attended events celebrating 100 years since the Declaration.
He also held diplomatic and economic meetings during his visit, including bilateral talks with Theresa May.
Before his visit Mr Netanyahu said: "The Palestinians say that the Balfour Declaration was a tragedy. It wasn't a tragedy. "What's been tragic is their refusal to accept this 100 years later. I hope they change their mind, because if they do they can move forward finally to making peace between our two peoples.”
The PSC claim 15,000 people took part in the demonstration.
