Pro-Palestinian student activists protest in Leeds for Gaza ceasfire

Pro-Palestinian student activists were amongst other groups protesting in Leeds for a ceasefire in Gaza.

One of the groups, Leeds Students Against Apartheid Coalition (LSAAC), made an Instagram post ahead of the protest which is now being reviewed by West Yorkshire Police, to determine whether a criminal offence was committed.

The post called for a “global siege” against what it described as a “Zionist genocidal project”, and police are reviewing whether the rhetoric used amounts to a criminal offence, Jewish News reports.

The post by LSAAC also said to “let our collective rage erupt” and “strengthen unity around armed resistance.”

The demonstration was held on Saturday 10th May in the city centre to show support for Palestinians amidst the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

The protest began at Leeds Art Gallery at midday, as people arrived with pro-Palestinian banners and posters.

Whilst setting up, some student activists shared their thoughts with The Leeds Tab. One student, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “It’s important to involve students, even in Palestine we have students on the front line.

“We’ve had encampments and occupations, and we see them as a necessity for change as they have been used in other movements like against the South African apartheid.”

Palestinian music could be heard as people arrived for the demonstration, and brief instructions were given on protest guidelines.

The march set off towards Leeds railway station, going past busy areas around Leeds Trinity shopping centre.

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Activists chanted slogans like “From the river to the sea”, which refers to the River Jordan and the Mediterranean Sea. The slogan is controversial, with some believing it calls for the destruction of Israel. However, Palestinian activists say they believe it advocates for the freedom of all in the region.

There were also chants of: “In our thousands in our millions, we are all Palestinians.”

The were also a small number of counter protestors, which caused some issues throughout, with filming between groups and shouting heard.

As the march finished at the railway station, chants continued for a few minutes.

The Leeds Allianz branch was then targeted as part of the demonstration, due to their role in insuring Elbit systems, an Israeli company who create arms supplies for numerous countries.

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “West Yorkshire Police has been made aware of concerns relating to an Instagram post from a pro-Palestinian student group in Leeds. This post is currently being reviewed to assess whether any criminal offences have been committed.”

The force confirmed officers were aware of the protest in advance and said: “There will be a police presence.”

It added: “We continue to engage with faith groups and key individuals across the county to understand the impact of these international events locally.”

Israel launched a military campaign to destroy Hamas following an unprecedented cross-border attack on 7th October 2023. Around 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.

Since then, at least 53,762 people have been killed in Gaza, including 16,500 children, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.

The UN’s humanitarian chief has urged members of the UN Security Council to take action to “prevent genocide” in Gaza.

LSAAC has not yet responded to requests for comment.