Hezbollah Flags on London Streets as Hundreds March Against «Israel»

Local Editor

The annual al-Quds Day Parade saw hundreds demonstrate in central London on June 18 against the "Israeli" entity.

Al-Quds Day was conceived by the founder of the Islamic Revolution His Eminence Imam Khomeini in 1979 as a day of protest against the existence of the "Israeli" entity and in solidarity with the Palestinians.

They chanted "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free." Some carried placards reading "We Are All Hezbollah: Boycott 'Israel'."

This year's protest in London was organized by the Islamic Human Rights Commission [IHRC]. The IHRC is an independent, non-profit, campaign, research and advocacy organization that struggles for justice.

An IHRC news release advertising the event reminded attendees that "participants are welcome to bring flags that show solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Flags of proscribed [illegal] organizations will not be allowed. For example, you can bring a Hezbollah flag to show support for the political wing of Hezbollah. This is because the political wing of Hezbollah is not a proscribed organization."

At the front of the march, a large yellow Hezbollah flag flew above a large Palestinian flag inscribed with the words "Boycott Israel." Hezbollah flags, which feature a graphic of an assault rifle, were also seen draped around the shoulders of some demonstrators.

Like several others, the British government draws a distinction between military and civilian "wings" of Hezbollah.

This year the IHRC chose as its end point Grosvenor Square, where the US Embassy is located - "because of Washington's continuing support of 'Israel'."

"The US continues to underwrite the Zionist regime financially, militarily and politically and block all attempts at finding a just solution to the Palestinian issue," the group said ahead of the march.

Despite a petition of 23,000 people calling on London Mayor Sadiq Khan to close down the march, he declined to do so saying he did not have the authority. As long as marchers obey the law, he said, it must be allowed to proceed.

A counter-demonstration organized by a coalition of British Jewish groups under the banner "Stand Against Hate" had several hundred people in attendance.

They chanted "terrorists off our streets" and shouted "murderers" at the al-Quds Day demonstrators.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team