Merton’s weekend of action in solidarity with Palestine

The Merton Palestine Solidarity Campaign (MPSC) took on a weekend of action to protest against Israel’s bombing of Gaza and demand an immediate ceasefire.

The group met outside the home of AFC Wimbledon in Plough Lane, Wimbledon, on Friday, to call on football’s world governing body FIFA to ban Israel from global participation in the sport.

Hundreds of leaflets were handed out by the group, which included South London resident and comedian Mark Thomas.

On Saturday the MPSC regrouped to join thousands of protesters marching through central London to Trafalgar Square.

During the protest speeches were held by protesters including Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbot.

Jackie Schneider, chairwoman of the MPSC, said: “We had great support for the Palestinian cause on Friday, outside AFC Wimbledon, and we joined thousands of people marching for peace in Palestine on Saturday. 

“Thousands of Palestinians have died, many innocent civilians, the majority being women and children. Food, water and healthcare is urgently needed.  

“The United Nations has called for a ceasefire, which needs to be acted on now.”

About 32,916 people have been killed in Gaza since October 7, according to the Palestinian health ministry. 

The Hamas attack on southern Israel killed about 1,200 people and took a further 253 hostage, according to the Israeli Government.

Mark Thomas, together with other comedians including Don Biswas, a Merton PSC member, will perform at a Gaza Comedy Benefit at Amnesty International UK in Shoreditch on April 9.

Pictured top: From left, MPSC members Liz Sippy and David Carrier, Crispin Flint of  “Not the Andrew Marr Show” and Auriel Glanville of MPSC (Picture: Auriel Glanville)