Protesters march in solidarity with Gaza

More than 100 demonstrators – nearly 150 at its peak – walked through the High Street carrying Palestinian flags and placards and for two hours chanted slogans to draw attention to their causes, including a permanent ceasefire in the region.

While the protesters were in Smith Street, they formed into single file and unfurled lengthy sheets of paper bearing the names of more than 6,000 children killed in Gaza since Israel launched an air offensive and invasion after being attacked on 7 October by Hamas terrorists who largely control Gaza.

‘We are gathering those with similar points of view about humanity across the world and looking to create more awareness in the island about what is going on and about how ordinary civilians like us are being impacted by something in which they are not complicit,’ said organiser Jamiel Kandili from the recently-formed group Guernsey4Gaza.

Many protesters chanted slogans which accused Israel of occupation and genocide in Gaza. Mr Kandili said its population – estimated at nearly 800,000 before the recent escalation of conflict – was effectively living in an open-air prison in conditions of unimaginable hardship.

‘If there is a community that can understand occupation and oppression, it’s got to be the Channel Islands. Less than 100 years ago we were in a not dissimilar situation, though thankfully not with the same number of air strikes,’ he said.

‘Our own history is one reason why we should look to help people who don’t have the means to help themselves and who are being let down by the people they rely on most – statesmen. We need to put pressure on those with power who can do something about this.

‘We’re not necessarily looking for the ultimate solution right now, but we are looking for whatever aid and assistance we can get to vulnerable people in Gaza.’

Some protesters chanted ‘From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free’ – a controversial slogan which has been variously interpreted as a call for the freedom and liberation of Palestinians living under occupation and as a genocidal demand for the destruction of Israel.

Mr Kandili said Guernsey4Gaza was about ‘ordinary civilians’ only and their wish to live in a peaceful and stable Palestine.

After being encouraged by the number of demonstrators who turned up and the range of their backgrounds, Mr Kandili suggested that further events could be held in the new year.

‘Today is a little bit of a temperature check – to see what level of understanding there is about what’s going on,’ he said.

‘I can see local people, I can see people who have come to the island to work, I can see visitors. I think it’s a really good turnout and encourages us to feel support in Guernsey.’