Rushanara Ali MP took to the streets on Saturday with an estimated 150,000 people in what turned out to be the largest demonstration that has taken place in London since the violence began more than a month ago in Israel and Gaza. More than 1,900 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and 67 Israelis, including three civilians, have been killed in the violence. The UN has reported that more than 500,000 people have been displaced as a result of the ongoing conflict with 1.5m with little or no access to water.
Rushanara was joined by her Labour colleagues; Diane Abbott MP, Jeremy Corbyn MP, Shabana Mahmood MP and Yasmine Qureshi MP.
Addressing thousands in Hyde Park, Rushanara said:
"I have a message for Mr Cameron. He has failed to show courage, he has failed to show leadership, he is a disgrace to our country. He is a disgrace because he has failed to speak up against injustice, because he has failed to do anything about the sale of arms that can be used, and are being used, by Israel to kill and suppress. Britain deserves a Prime Minister who speaks the truth and challenges injustice, not just in Gaza, but in the West Bank. Let's pledge today to keep up the pressure on this dreadful government to stop the violence."
Rushanara added:
“The situation in Gaza is intolerable. With more than 500,000 women, children and men displaced from their homes with nowhere to go, innocent civilians have paid a heavy price for this perpetual violence. My thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones. It is now crucial for the international community to renew efforts on both sides to secure a definitive ceasefire. We must work towards bringing an end to the conflict and apply pressure on both sides in order to secure a permanent ceasefire and work towards securing a lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis."
The mass loss of civilian life has caused outrage across the international community, and in a show of solidarity tens of thousands have taken to the streets in South Africa, Australia, Greece, Jordan and India to protest against Israel’s military action in Gaza.