What are the people "Marching" in London every Saturday realistically hoping to achieve?

[Flapjacker48]

It won't change UK government policy. It won't result in a ceasefire in Gaza. It won't magically resolve the situation in Palestine.

Same as all the other big marches - War in Iraq etc. Changed nothing.

Same reason people protest for many other things I.e brexit. Did it stop it ? No. Did people demonstrate against it ? Yes. I’m glad to live in a country that allows demonstrations, and allows freedom of speech

One of the worst feelings is being unable to do anything about something you feel really strongly about. Demonstrating is allowed and it helps. It got Poll tax scrapped. International events much more difficult obviously but it does help to feel like you're doing something to help and that others feel the same.

To show the world that despite the government’s policy we care.

For me I just want countries to send aid for the civilians as we have in the past for other countries. That is the very least we as humans should do.

You can say this about any march and protest..... Be grateful you live in a country that can do this that you can show your dissent without being shot or imprisoned. Whether you agree or not the right to protest peacefully is a right you should support and cherish

It sends a message to the government and the world and provides comradeship with like minded people who are feeling distressed and sad.

If it shows Keir Starmer he's heading for trouble over the current Labour Israel/Gaza stance, it'll be useful in that respect.

I think they just hope to raise the issue to the wider public.

A number of reasons, some of which have been laid out by PP.

But I love the explanation my Palestinian friend gave for why he attends protests along with his daughter, age 10:

"You know, a lot of our cultural narratives after 75 years of this revolve around being displaced, victimised and, above all, abandoned by everyone - I want her to grow up seeing that this is not true, that there are many people that will stand up for us and speak out for us."

In this sense: yes, what PP said - but also in support and solidarity with the Palestinian diaspora.

Everything everyone else has said OP.

Pretty sure that's your question answered

Russia and Iran see this as one of those wedge issues where their useful idiots, or actual devotees, will foment unrest and division in the West.

I think free speech is a good thing, I don't think the marches should be banned as long as laws aren't broken. I do think, however, that many of those involved are bad faith actors. I think that some people are actively enjoying creating a hostile environment for Jewish people. I also wonder why those people who clearly love totalitarian, authoritarian theocracy don't just bugger off to where they can live the dream, instead of evangelising it here.

Didn’t the Poll tax protests lead to a change though?

Well yes.

@Manadou Unlikely considering even 100,000 protesters is approx 0.2% of the registered electors in the UK.

@Cheeesus It lead to the introduction of Council tax and an increase in VAT to 17.5%, so the Government still got the money they wanted just in a re-branded way.

No, the Tories changed their mind on the Poll Tax because they quickly realised that it was a toxic vote-loser. More effective than the riots were the images of communities acting as bailiff busters for people who couldn't or wouldn't pay. Being on the same side as Hamas is not going to be a vote-winner, as Keir Starmer is obviously aware of in his current dilemma. He's caught between a vocal wing of his party and the need not to alienate the wider public.

Why have there been no marches against Russia, China, Myanmar? Why is no one "protesting" about what's going on in Yemen, Africa etc etc? Why does no one march for women in Afghanistan?

This

Point. Missed.

I agree OP. It won’t change much.

But it shows solidarity with civilians caught up in this conflict, that people from other nations around the world care, whatever their governments do, and that many do not want to live in a world with this level of brutality.

This is not about 'sides'. It's about why people march. @darksoya there are protests about every one of those things in London every day. Maybe they are less publicised but people do it for the same reasons they go on the Palestine marches. Unless it turns to violence or is misrepresented as racism (or becomes racist), peaceful protest is a good thing and sometimes feels like the only voice you have.

Agreed. There are some truly heartbreaking situations. Perhaps the Gazans have been most effective at showing the world what’s happening on the ground?

@Manadou You are living in a idealistic fantasy world if you believe the Palestinian issue will impact any general election, likewise that some marches will change Starmer's stance, but keep the faith hey

It's a message that they are 'against' Jews rather than 'for ' Palestinians

I think they don’t march because the government is on the same side as the public there whereas here they are on the side of genocide and many British people aren’t really keen on it.