Protestors Demand Action Over Gaza Crisis in UK Demonstrations

Protests erupted across the United Kingdom on July 27, 2025, as demonstrators rallied against the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The coordinated actions included over 75 events nationwide, with participants calling for an end to what they describe as the “forced starvation of children” in the region.

Among those speaking out was Saeed Ashi, a father from Deir al-Balah, who described the dire conditions faced by his family. With airstrikes disrupting their nights, he expressed the anguish of searching for food amidst the chaos. “We want to live or die together,” he stated during a phone interview while attending a protest outside the office of MPs Jeremy Hunt and Greg Stafford in Haslemere.

In his account, Saeed detailed the harrowing experience of families in Gaza, highlighting the extreme prices for essential items. “A single diaper costs $4. A kilo of powdered milk is $70,” he lamented. He emphasized the desperate measures many are forced to take as they rely on dwindling donations. Tragically, he reported losing friends in the quest for basic necessities, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Voices of Protest and Solidarity

The protest attracted a diverse group of attendees, including Esther Morton, one of the event’s organizers. She urged participants to make noise and bring attention to the plight of children suffering in Gaza. “Babies are dying because mothers are too weak to breastfeed and Israel is blocking the entry of baby formula,” she said.

Morton’s mother, Sharron Morton, a retired headteacher, echoed her daughter’s sentiments. “The lack of action and urgency shown by the government is appalling,” she said, stressing that no child should starve to death in 2025. The peaceful demonstration saw passing motorists honking in support, although police intervened twice to manage minor incidents.

Another participant, Haneen Said, shared her family’s history of displacement. Her mother, a refugee from Ahuzat Bayit—now Tel Aviv—was only two years old when her family was forced to leave their home in 1948. “When I see the faces of starving children in Gaza, I see my mother’s story,” Haneen reflected, explaining her motivation to protest. “This conflict is inhumane.”

Teenagers Arthur and Wilfred expressed shame over the government’s inaction regarding the crisis. “You are supposed to lead by example,” Wilfred stated. “Your inaction is not done in our name.”

Councillor Claire Matthes from Haslemere attended the protest and hoped it would inspire conversations and further local actions. “Silence is no longer an option,” she asserted.

Government Response to Protests

In response to the demonstration, MP Jeremy Hunt acknowledged the outrage surrounding the situation in Gaza. “I, along with many others, just cannot defend what is happening in Gaza,” he stated. He noted that the UK’s potential recognition of the state of Palestine, as suggested by leader Keir Starmer, is a response to the distressing conditions.

While Hunt has shown support for Israel in the past, he emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive peace agreement. “The international community must redouble its efforts to support a solution that delivers a safe and secure Israel alongside an independent Palestine,” he remarked.

Similarly, Greg Stafford expressed deep concern for the humanitarian crisis. He called for a rapid ceasefire and stressed the need for humanitarian relief to alleviate the suffering in Gaza. “This will only come about through the dismantling of Hamas’ control and the coordinated efforts of regional players,” he added.

As the protests continued, Saeed’s message resonated with many: “I want everyone in this world to know the truth. The world must know.” His call for awareness and action reflects the urgent need for international attention and assistance to those suffering in Gaza.