Hundreds of residents in Bath, UK, took to the streets in a march to show solidarity with the people of Gaza and demand an end to the ongoing genocide. The protesters carried placards featuring images of Palestinian children and paused for a minute's silence to read aloud the names of children who have lost their lives in Gaza. Lara Amro, a Jordanian of Palestinian descent, shared her family's story of expulsion from Palestine in 1948, highlighting the long-standing history of displacement and suffering. Ameerah Lebaqa, a resident and student of Palestinian descent, spoke about the world's inaction and the power of protest in effecting change. Jane Samson from Bath Campaigns Network expressed gratitude for the support shown by American universities and anti-Zionist Jews who are also protesting against the genocide in Gaza. David Searby, also from Bath Campaigns Network, drew attention to the UK's role in the arms trade and called for the suspension of arms exports to Israel. Matthew Alford, a politics lecturer at the University of Bath, emphasized the significance of sustained pressure and the power of protest. The next protest march in Bath is scheduled for May 11.
In a separate demonstration, pro-Palestine peace protestors held their last demonstration outside the Barclays branch on Darwen Street in Lancashire. The branch announced its closure earlier this year, and the protestors claim that Barclays has ties with companies supplying arms and military technology to Israel, as well as investing in fossil fuels. Barclays denies these accusations and stated that it is not a shareholder or investor in these companies. The protestors highlighted the ongoing bombing of Gaza and the killing of civilians by Israeli Defence Forces. About 30 people participated in the demonstration, including newly elected councillors Tiger Patel and Amin Kapadia. Barclays plans to open a cashless banking site in the future. [07c4cf17] [0e7091e3]