During a demonstration in London on Saturday in support of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, a pro-Palestinian speaker called for “normalizing the slaughter” and urged police to investigate the matter.
Pro-Palestinian supporters marched through central London as part of the World Day of Action against Israel's military action against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
A video of Palestinian activist Mohamed El Kurd addressing a crowd gathered in Parliament Square has gone viral on social media.
“I want you to look into the eyes of the children of Gaza and tell them that you did your best,” he told the crowd. “Our time will definitely come. But we must not be complacent. Our time will definitely come. But we must normalize genocide as the status quo.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu declares 'no one will stop' Israel's war to end Hamas after world court hears genocide allegations
Protesters hold banners, flags and placards in Trafalgar Square during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, Saturday, January 13, 2023, in London. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
“I would never say that,” Erkuld later wrote in response to backlash for his comments about the normalization of genocide in X.
“I clearly said that we should not be complacent and that genocide should not be normalized,” he wrote. “Intentionally distorting my words is a sign of your own bankruptcy. Gaffes are forgivable. Also, idagf. Call the police. Write a Yelp review !”
London police issued a statement regarding X, saying authorities were aware of the video and statement.
The Metropolitan Police said: “Officers are aware of the comments, the commentary surrounding them and subsequent statements made by the person making the comment.” “They are assessing the matter and as part of that assessment they are looking to speak to the parties involved.”
Despite claiming to have made a gaffe in one instance, videos posted online also show Erkuld's speech directly calling for the eradication of Zionism from the world.
“Zionism is apartheid, genocide, murder, and a racist ideology rooted in settler expansion and racial domination, and we must eradicate it from the world,” Erkuld said. said.
Pro-Palestinian supporters marched in London on Saturday calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
He added: “We must de-Zionize because Zionism is a death cult and Zionism is indefensible.”
In the months since Hamas terrorists sparked the war in Gaza, both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrations have erupted.
The demonstration in London was one of many pro-Palestinian demonstrations held in cities around the world on Saturday. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
Hamas terrorists launched a deadly attack on October 7, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, inside Israel. An additional 250 people were taken hostage, and although some have been released or confirmed dead, more than half are believed to still be held captive in Gaza.
In the 100 days since Israel responded to Hamas attacks, the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry has announced that more than 23,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza.
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A pro-Israel rally was scheduled to take place in London's Trafalgar Square on Sunday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
