In a recent demonstration held in London, a Palestinian activist’s speech has stirred significant controversy. The rally, part of a worldwide movement protesting Israeli military operations in Gaza, witnessed thousands marching through the heart of the city.
During the event, Palestinian activist Mohammed El-Kurd delivered a provocative speech in Parliament Square, which was widely shared on social media platforms. In his address, El-Kurd emphasized the plight of Gazan children and urged the crowd not to become desensitized to violence. “Imagine looking a Gazan child in the eyes, acknowledging your efforts, yet realizing the journey ahead,” he said. “The time for change will come, but we must resist accepting massacres as a normal occurrence.”
Following backlash over his remarks about normalizing massacres, El-Kurd clarified his position on social media. He vehemently denied endorsing violence, stating, “Misconstruing my words shows a lack of argument on your part. Everyone makes mistakes in speech, and I am no exception. I strongly oppose normalizing violence.”
The Metropolitan Police have acknowledged the incident and the public response it garnered. “We are closely examining the speech and the context around it, and we intend to discuss this matter with the individual involved,” they stated in a press release.
Despite his clarification, other videos of El-Kurd’s speech suggest a firm stance against Zionism, which he labeled as inherently racist and oppressive. “Zionism represents apartheid, genocide, and an ideology of racial supremacy. It must be eradicated from the world,” El-Kurd asserted in his speech.
The London demonstration is one of many such events worldwide, reflecting heightened tensions following recent conflicts in Gaza. These events have seen parallel protests from both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel groups.
The recent escalation in Gaza was triggered by a Hamas-initiated attack on October 7, resulting in substantial casualties. The attack led to over 1,200 deaths in Israel, primarily civilians, and the capture of around 250 individuals. While some hostages have been released or confirmed deceased, many are still believed to be held in Gaza. In response, Israel’s military action over the past 100 days has resulted in significant Palestinian casualties, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting over 23,000 deaths.