Supporters of Israel gathered outside Downing Street in London on Wednesday to hold a vigil in support of victims of the Hamas attacks. Participants held up pictures of those killed and lit candles, while some were in tears. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis addressed the vigil, saying that British Jews “are at one” with Israel. He said he prayed for the darkness caused by the fighting to soon lead to light and peace.
Later that evening, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak joined prayers at a synagogue in north London. There, he assured the Jewish community that, as prime minister, he would do everything in his power to keep them safe. Around 900 people have died in Israel following last weekend’s surprise attack by Hamas, and a retaliatory attack in Gaza has killed almost 690.
Meanwhile, a pro-Palestinian demonstration near the Israeli embassy in London drew thousands. Chants of “Free Palestine” echoed through the crowd, with some groups holding signs that read “End the Occupation.” The protest took place as Israel implemented a “complete siege” of Gaza, cutting off food, fuel, electricity, and water supplies.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman has written to police chiefs in England and Wales calling for stepped-up patrols to prevent demonstrations that “glorify terror” or “harass the Jewish community.” The situation in the region remains unstable, with dozens of Britons still missing or dead after the attacks. However, people on both sides of the conflict continue to hope for a peaceful resolution
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More