- By Aruna Iyengar and Christy Cooney
- BBC News
The scene of the rally on Sunday in central London
Thousands have attended a pro-Israel rally in London to mark 100 days since the 7 October attacks and call for the release of all hostages from Gaza.
People gathered in Trafalgar Square carrying Israeli flags and holding pictures of some of the 105 people still believed to be being held.
A chant of “Bring them home now” was also heard.
It comes as Israel faces mounting international pressure over the civilian toll of its operation in Gaza.
The London event coincides with a 24-hour rally being held in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.
Speakers in London included Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who appeared remotely on a large screen and said that “this battle belongs to the whole free world”.
Israeli singer Miri Mesika was also scheduled to perform.
People in the crowd told the BBC they were worried the hostages were being forgotten and that they felt compelled to attend and show support for Israel.
Speaking from a stage set up beneath Nelson’s Column, one organiser said he had “never been prouder to be Jewish”.
The audience also heard from Conservative peer Lord Pickles and Labour MP Christian Wakeford.
Lord Pickles said that Gaza could be rebuilt and peace brought to the Middle East, but that such a process could only begin if “we bring the hostages home”.
Security for event was tight and attendees had to wait in long queues before being allowed to enter the square.
The weeks following the 7 October attacks saw what the Metropolitan Police described as a “massive increase” in antisemitic incidents in London.
The attacks saw Hamas and other armed Palestinian groups cross into Israel and carry out attacks on civilian and military targets, killing around 1,200 people and taking an estimated 240 hostages.
A six-day ceasefire at the end of November saw 105 hostages released. Israel believes around 105 are still alive in Gaza, while a number of others are either unaccounted for or known to have died.
Following the attacks, Israel launched a ground invasion and bombing campaign in Gaza with the stated aim of destroying Hamas and removing the group from power in the territory.
Israel is also facing a case at the International Court of Justice, brought by the South Africa, accusing it of committing genocide.
The Hamas-run Health Ministry says that more than 23,000 people have so far been killed in Gaza since Israel launched its campaign.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
