Watch: Thousands of Free Palestine protesters gather in Birmingham city centre

As tensions continue in the Middle East with Israel and Palestine, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Birmingham city centre this afternoon (Saturday, October 21).

The demonstration follows a previous protest held last weekend in the city centre. The demonstrators chanted “Free Palestine” and told how they were supporting innocent people affected by the deadly conflict in Gaza.

The Workers Party of Britain supported the demonstration saying they were anti-war and: “Flying the flag with solidarity for Palestine in Birmingham”.

The Birmingham Stop the War Coalition also declared it was supporting the demonstration and said: “Birmingham stands with Palestine.” The demonstration in the city centre was held alongside protests in London and at Media City in Salford. 

The Met Police estimated up to 100,000 people had joined the march in the capital, which was due to end in a rally near Downing Street.

The demonstrations come as the aid deliveries have reached Gaza for the first time since Israel imposed a blockade after a Hammas attack on October 7 killed 1,400 people in Israel. Palestinian officials say over 4,000 people have died in Israeli strikes. Israel cut off supplies of fuel, electricity and water to Gaza after Hamas's military wing broke through the border into Israel, killing people and taking more than 200 hostages.

Meanwhile, about 1.4 million Gazans have been displaced with more than half a million people in 147 UN shelters, the UN says. UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has warned the conflict is threatening to engulf the Middle East. BirminghamWorld has contacted West Midlands Police about the protests.

Previously, West Midlands Police said: “The conflict has a far-reaching impact on communities around the world, and we extend our full support to those affected in the West Midlands. We have increased patrols across parts of the region to provide a visible presence and reassurance to our communities. “Working with partners we are listening to local concerns and continuously assessing the impact on communities to ensure those who live and work within them feel safe. Additional officers have already been deployed to key locations to reassure those who live, work, or study nearby; to prevent crime; and to ensure an efficient response to any incidents which are reported.”