British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appealed to students across the UK to cancel planned pro-Palestinian demonstrations marking the second anniversary of Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
Starmer described the scheduled protests as “disrespectful”, particularly following a recent deadly attack outside a Manchester synagogue, where two people were killed—one reportedly by a police bullet.
Planned Demonstrations Across the UK
Student groups from various London universities announced plans for a 2:00 pm walkout, followed by a march through central London.
Similar events, including vigils and rallies, were set to take place in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Sheffield, and Manchester.
Writing in a major British newspaper, Starmer criticized recurring pro-Palestinian demonstrations, alleging that some participants use them to unfairly target British Jews.
Growing Antisemitism Concerns
The Prime Minister expressed concern over rising antisemitism in the UK and urged protesters to reconsider their approach.
He referenced the Manchester synagogue attack, which happened on Yom Kippur, describing it as a “deeply troubling act of violence.”
“This kind of divisiveness contradicts our national values,” Starmer wrote. “We must protect our Jewish communities from hatred and fear.”
Jewish Groups and Activist Response
However, the Jewish Bloc for Palestine rejected Starmer’s stance, saying pro-Palestinian demonstrations do not pose a threat to Jewish people.
Activist Zoe Cohen from Defend Our Juries also criticized the government’s position, arguing that linking protests to antisemitism unfairly associates Israel’s policies with all Jewish people.
“Many Jews oppose Israel’s actions in Gaza,” she stated. “These protests are about justice and human rights, not hate.”
Hamas Attack and Gaza Conflict
According to Israeli authorities, the 2023 Hamas attack killed 1,219 people, mostly civilians, and 251 hostages were taken, with 47 still held in Gaza and 25 presumed dead.
In response, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has resulted in over 67,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
Starmer reaffirmed his commitment to supporting efforts for the release of British hostages still held by Hamas.
UK’s Position on Peace
Last month, the UK officially recognized a Palestinian state, joining a growing number of allied nations supporting a two-state solution.
Starmer said his government would continue to back the US-led Middle East peace initiative, aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
Despite his appeal, pro-Palestinian protests went ahead over the weekend, showing widespread public engagement with the issue.
Commemorative Events Held in London
On Sunday, around 3,000 people gathered in London to commemorate the October 7 anniversary.
Participants waved Israeli and British flags, and held posters of hostages—a somber reminder of the human toll on both sides of the conflict.
