Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters marched through Manchester on Saturday, calling for an end to Israeli attacks in Gaza. It was the fourth consecutive weekend that rallies have been held in the city since the conflict began on 7 October.
Demonstrators repeated their demands for a ceasefire and an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. The protests come amid rising casualties: about 1,400 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage after Hamas attacks in Israel, while Palestinian officials say over 9,000 people have been killed by Israeli bombs in Gaza since then.
Earlier in the day, the North West Friends of Israel group held a vigil in Manchester's Exchange Square for the hostages taken on 7 October. They displayed heart-shaped balloons attached to the names and photos of those captured.
Greater Manchester Police described previous demonstrations, which also drew thousands, as 'generally peaceful'. However, Home Secretary Suella Braverman labelled the nationwide pro-Palestinian marches as 'hate marches', drawing criticism from human rights campaigners including Liberty, which called her comments 'inflammatory and dangerous'.
