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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Jon Hebditch

Hundreds of pro-Palestine activists descend on George Square with flags to 'stand against Israeli violence'

Hundreds have gathered for a pro-Palestine demonstration in Glasgow's George Square today.

The demonstration comes amid rising tension in the Middle East between Israel and Palestine.

Pictures from the scene today show crowds of flag-carrying activists out in the sun crowding the central square which comes after a wave of similar protests in other British cities this weekend.

The event was advertised online by the Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network and was due to last from 1pm to 3pm.

It comes just a day after thousands of Rangers supporters packed the square after the team lifted their first league title in ten years. Five police officers were injured as flares and other objects were thrown at them while other people were attacked in the city.

Many have gathered in George Square (@ShadesDaddyy)

A post on the Palestine group's website read: "On Sunday 16th of May, we are going to have a peaceful protest to our brothers and sisters who are suffering in Palestine.

"We shall all meet at 1pm

"Address: Either the top of Buchanan Street or George Square

Thousands are estimated to have gathered at George Square for the Palestine protest (Glasgow City Council)

"The reason for our protest is simple

"In the holy month of Ramadan, while fasting and dedicating their time to pray and worship God, the Palestinian families have been under constant attack by the Israeli government. This has been going on for to long & it’s time we stand up for the innocent.

"We are here to stand up for them and stand up for the injustice in this world.

"Do come along and bring your friends and families to show unity and to show that we, as humans, are here for each other and that injustice will not be tolerated.

"Police shall be present. We hold no responsibility for anybodies actions."

Scots lawyer Aamer Anwar said there would be thousands attending and urged cops not to show 'double standards'.

He tweeted: "At 1pm 2day @GeorgeSq 1000s will gather peacefully with families & no alcohol, to protest the genocide of #Palestinians We demand total respect by @policescotland & a facilitation of the democratic right to protest, we will not tolerate any double standards or excuses #Gaza Flag of Palestinian Territories

Twitter user ShadesDaddy videoed the huge turnout and wrote: "This is amazing. Glasgow with Palestine."

Police Scotland Superintendent Emma Croft said that nobody should be gathering under the current Covid rules.

She said: "Superintendent Emma Croft said: "An appropriate policing plan is in place to maintain public safety and minimise any disruption to the community. Under the current restrictions no-one should be gathering in numbers of more than six.

"We will continue to liaise with our partners, to minimise the risk to both our officers and the public.

"We continue to ask people to take personal responsibility and to use Greater Glasgow safely and respectfully."

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