HUNDREDS of protestors have gathered in Glasgow's George Square in solidarity with the people of Palestine amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The protest is one of many held globally over the last few days to defend and advocate for the human rights of Palestinians, as violence rises in the Middle East.
A wee panorama from George Square. For #Palestine. pic.twitter.com/xEvwtw4AhY
— David Jamieson (@David_Jamieson7) May 16, 2021
The event began at 1pm this afternoon with activists gathering in the central square waving flags and banners and shouting "free Palestine".
Listen to the cars here. An amazing turnout in Glasgow in support of #PalestineUnderAttack pic.twitter.com/1Jb8mNdSis
— Giovanna Fassetta (@GioFassetta) May 16, 2021
Ahead of Sunday’s rally, civil liberties lawyer Aamer Anwar tweeted: “1000s will gather peacefully with families & no alcohol, to protest the genocide of #Palestinians.
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“We demand total respect by @policescotland & a facilitation of the democratic right to protest, we will not tolerate any double standards or excuses."
At 1pm 2day @GeorgeSq 1000s will gather peacefully with families & no alcohol, to protest the genocide of #Palestinians We demand total respect by @policescotland & a facilitation of the democratic right to protest, we will not tolerate any double standards or excuses #Gaza 🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/UNM2JwEvNY
— Aamer Anwar🎗✊🏽#BlackLivesMatter (@AamerAnwar) May 16, 2021
Similar rallies have been held in other major cities across the UK and Ireland in solidarity with the people of Palestine this weekend.
In London on Saturday, nine police officers were injured and missiles were thrown amid efforts to disperse crowds outside the Israeli Embassy.
Thousands of people had earlier marched through the capital to the gates of the embassy in Kensington.
Nine people were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder in London, the Metropolitan Police said.
Scotland Yard said small pockets of disorder had followed a largely peaceful demonstration.
It comes as thousands of Palestinians have been forced to flee from their homes after a week of relentless violence.
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Since last Monday night, Palestinian militant group Hamas has fired hundreds of rockets into Israel, whose military responded by barraging the Gaza Strip with tank fire and air strikes.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 26 people in Gaza this morning.
The Ministry said ten women and eight children were among the dead, while another 50 people have been injured.
Folk arriving at George Square for the #Palestine march. Can hear feeder march approaching. Get down if you can! pic.twitter.com/8QFb7yjO2k
— David Jamieson (@David_Jamieson7) May 16, 2021
In total, at least 145 people in Gaza and eight in Israel have been killed since the fighting erupted.
Protestors are urging the Government to take action to protect the Palestinian people.
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