Demonstrators gathered outside the Israeli Embassy in London on May 5 to protest Israel’s attacks on Syria and the occupation of the Golan Heights, reports Anadolu Agency. Organised by the Syrian Solidarity Campaign, the protest drew a large crowd calling for an end to what they described as violations of Syrian sovereignty and international law.
“Israel has brazenly disregarded Syria’s sovereignty and international law. These attacks have caused devastating civilian casualties, with dozens killed and injured,” the group said.
The campaign also condemned the Israeli occupation of the Golan Heights, captured in 1967 and unilaterally annexed in 1981 – a move not recognised internationally. They said the occupation has led to the forced displacement of hundreds of Syrian families and denied Syrian farmers access to their lands.
Demonstrators outlined four main demands – immediate cessation of Israeli air strikes on Syria, an end to Israel’s occupation of Syrian lands, including the Golan Heights, respect for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and accountability for Israel’s violations of international law.
Jim Curran, a longtime Irish republican and activist, told Anadolu he was deeply troubled by the situation. “I am very concerned about the Israeli occupation in Syria, and especially in the Golan Heights,” he said. “This should come to an end. It’s a blatant breach of international law.”