A direct-action group aiming to shut down London demanded an arms embargo on Israel and higher taxes on the super-rich.
Throughout March and April, Youth Demand mobilised hundreds of activists to take to the streets in a campaign of disruption, aiming to show solidarity with Palestinians and challenging what they believe to be the British government’s complicity in Israel’s military actions.
Activists have used a variety of disruptive methods including road swarms and symbolic demonstrations such as laying body bags outside foreign secretary David Lammy’s house, and the group has attracted a wave of supporters who believe that traditional forms of protests are no longer sufficient.
Zayna, a nursery teacher said: “I’ve been going to the protests and rallies, and I felt it wasn’t disruptive enough.
“They felt more like a festival.
“I liked the way Youth Demand was doing it and it felt aligned to how I could do it.”
Critics argue disruptive protest only inconveniences locals and everyday people, but the protesters claim peaceful disruption is necessary and effective.
Fight Racism Fight Imperialism member Sue said: “We’re here to show our solidarity with Palestine.
“If you look at any movement around the world it came from people taking action.
“Silence and inaction is complicity and if we actually want to be remembered in history for taking that stand, then now is the time for action.”
Also joining the road swarms was grandmother of six Saba, who is from east London.
She said: “We’ve tried everything it hasn’t worked.
“We have to cause disruption it’s our only way forward.”
Protestors say their determination has only grown in response to what they see as a crackdown on their right to protest.
Several Youth Demand members were arrested by the Metropolitan Police in the past month.
A recent police raid on a Youth Demand meeting held at a Quaker meeting house, where six women were arrested sparked outrage.
According to organisation member Killua, 29, the incident inspired even more people to join.
He said: “I personally met people who joined us last week because of the Quakers incident.
“They are not even based in London, but they came to the city and took part in road swarms for the first time, despite having no prior experience in direct action.
“They could see clearly how the police were being aggressive.”
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “We will not allow protest groups, including Youth Demand, to cross the line from protest into serious disruption and other criminality.
“The proactive police activity on Thursday 29 March and Friday 30 March took place on the basis of intelligence that those arrested were plotting serious disruption over the coming month, aiming to ‘shut down’ London.”
Despite their disruptive tactics, Youth Demand maintains its actions are rooted in non-violence and are not meant to alienate ordinary people.
Sue said: “We must highlight this state repression in a so-called democratic society.
“Everyone should be defending the right to protest for Palestine whether that’s a tea party in your local community, a meeting in a Quaker room, or shutting London down for Palestine.”
Killua said: “At the end of the day we are aware that no matter what’s happening in the world, life moves on. Our issue is not with the people and so no matter how they behave, we would never respond in a violent manner.
Saba added: “Whenever I look at those children [in Gaza] I see my grandkids.”
Protesters believed it was their moral obligation to act particularly in the face of continued suffering in Gaza as well.
Killua said: “At the end of the day we are aware that no matter what’s happening in the world, life moves on.
“Our issue is not with the people and so no matter how they behave, we would never respond in a violent manner.
“You need to step up, you need to do more than just share posts and donations, protesting and chanting you.
“If seeing these videos from Gaza, doesn’t make you feel like you need to do more, then I’m not sure what else will make you feel it.”
Photo credit: Summia Islam
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