Rally for Palestine held outside Ministry of Defence in London

Ansar Ahmed Ullah
Contributing Editor,Shottobani

London:  A large demonstration took place last Tuesday outside the Ministry of Defence on Horse Guards Avenue, central London, demanding an end to what protesters called the UK’s complicity in genocide. The rally, titled “Shut It Down for Palestine”, brought together a wide array of grassroots groups united in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Organised by and featuring a coalition of activist organisations—including Join Youth Demand, Pal Pulse, Prayers for Gaza, Thanet for Palestine, Greenwich for Palestine, and Bengalis for Palestine—the demonstration aimed to hold the UK Ministry of Defence accountable for its role in enabling the ongoing violence in Gaza.

The protest featured powerful speeches, chants, and banners condemning the UK government’s arms trade and military support, which activists argue directly contribute to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Palestine.

A prominent delegation from Bengalis for Palestine attended the rally. Notable attendees included Rajon Uddin Jalal, Javed Ahmed, Md Shahid Ali, Shofiq Ahmed, A K M Chunnu, Ahmed Fokor Kamal, Jalal Uddin, Moulana Zillu Khan, Rais Ali, and Md Khasru. Their presence highlighted the broad and diverse support base for Palestine across communities in the UK.

Demonstrators vowed to continue pressuring UK institutions until meaningful political action is taken to end the country’s involvement in the conflict.