Demonstrators demand the release of hostages from Gaza

• Demonstrators in London demand the release of hostages from Gaza.
• Police arrested hundreds of people during the protests.
• International solidarity actions are taking place in many countries.

London (AP) — London police are preparing for new demonstrations on Sunday, as the war in Gaza continues to provoke tension in the capital. Demonstrators, who demand the immediate release of all hostages in Gaza, plan a march through central London to the residence of Prime Minister on Downing Street.

This march will take place after police arrested 474 individuals during the protest supporting the banned pro-Palestinian organization. Among the participants of the action will be Noga Gutman, the cousin of 24-year-old hostage Eviatar David, who stated in a video that the abduction in Israel was shocking.

Since the attack by Hamas militants on Israel on July 7, 2023, 251 people have been abducted, of which nearly 50 remain hostages. According to the information, 20 of them are believed to be alive.

Israel has announced plans to occupy Gaza to end the war and return the hostages home. Many families of hostages and international leaders condemn this plan, considering that it leads to further violence.

The coalition Stop the Hate, which organizes the march, stated: "We are united in a clear and firm demand: immediate and unconditional release of all hostages." They emphasized that this is not a political issue, but a humanitarian one.

On Saturday, police also arrested more than 466 people supporting Palestine Action, which was banned by the government in July. Along with the new laws, supporting this group has become criminalized.

Supporters of Palestine Action are challenging the ban in court, asserting that the government exceeds its authority, labeling the group a terrorist organization.

Tags: Middle East/Politics