The Muslim Council of Britain today commended the march calling for a ceasefire in Gaza that took place in London on Saturday 11 November 2023. Organisers say that over 800,000 people, from all ages, faiths and backgrounds participated in this march. Marchers at this overwhelmingly peaceful event have one message for our government: an end to the violence and justice for the Palestinian people.
On November 11th, we remembered and marked Armistice Day. At 11:00am, we honoured the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in both Wars for Britain and our democratic freedoms. Two hours later and respectful of that solemn moment, hundreds of thousands of people converged well away from Whitehall at Hyde Park to advocate for another another armistice – a ceasefire in Gaza to end the indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians by the Israeli regime.
The Muslim Council of Britain praises the Metropolitan Police for resisting pressure to cancel the march. Police independence is crucial for democracy.
It is regretful though to have seen scenes of violence , intimidation and hate from far rights groups which interfered with Armistice day ceremonies near Whitehall.
The Home Secretary and some sections of the media must take responsibility for fuelling misinformation and inciting hate. For too long, those advocating for justice for the Palestinians have endured vilification in the media and by some of our politicians.
Zara Mohammed, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, who joined the peaceful March said:
“As they did 20 years ago, today, in record numbers, the British people gathered in central London, representing diverse groups calling for a ceasefire and peace.
From mothers, babies in push chairs, elderly and young college students, of all faiths and none all marched in calls for ceasefire and an end the violence in Palestine.
Our government and opposition leadership’s reluctance to call for ceasefire and condemn Israel’s cruel military campaign in Gaza remains at odds with the British public.
On Armistice Day, we saw a powerful expression of British democracy, and another call to end the killing of innocent civilians.
The Muslim Council of Britain commends the organisers of the peaceful Ceasefire Now march and urges ongoing advocacy for the Palestinian cause. It’s essential to persist in calling for an immediate ceasefire.”
Zara Mohammed added:
“It is now time for responsible leadership to dial down the tension whipped by sections of the media and commentariat. Their divisive agenda has a voice at the heart of government and the violent implications are being seen in our streets. While we seek peace in the Middle East we will also seek to build bridges through respectful dialogue here at home. It is time for others to do the same.”
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1. For media inquiries, please contact: media@mcb.org.uk
2. About the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB):
The MCB is the UK’s largest Muslim umbrella organization, representing over 500 affiliated organisations. Its mission is to promote the collective interests of British Muslims and work towards creating a more just and inclusive society for all. Learn more at: www.mcb.org.uk