Vigil held in London for Palestinian children killed in Gaza

By Zuhal Demirci

LONDON (AA) - People gathered at a vigil in London on Wednesday to mourn Palestinian children killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza.

The crowd took part in the event outside the prime minister's office as Israel’s attacks on one of the world's most densely populated areas continued.

Participants left flowers, toys and shoes at the site to raise awareness over the killing of children in the besieged enclave.

Carrying Palestinian flags, the crowd chanted slogans including "Netanyahu, shame on you," "Israel is terrorist sate" and "Free Palestine."

They also criticized the British government for not voting in favor of a UN General Assembly resolution Tuesday that demanded an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza.

They further accused the government of being "complicit in genocide" in the Gaza Strip over its support for Israel.

Since Oct. 7, UK officials have repeatedly expressed their support for Israel's right to defend itself while calling for respecting international humanitarian law.

However, the government as well as the leadership of the main opposition Labour Party have been widely criticized over their support for Israel and not calling for a cease-fire in Gaza.

Israel has bombarded the Gaza Strip from the air and land, imposed a siege and mounted a ground offensive in retaliation for a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7.

At least 18,608 Palestinians have since been killed and almost 50,600 others injured in Israeli attacks, according to Gaza’s health authorities.

The Israeli death toll in the Hamas attack stands at 1,200, while around 139 hostages remain in captivity, according to official figures.

*Burak Bir contributed to this report in London