As Israel’s self titled Operation Protective Edge is entering its 15th day, a small part of the battle has come to the streets of Manchester.
For the past five days, as the Israeli offensive has wrought death, destruction and displacement on Gaza and its residents, a diverse group of protesters for justice for Palestine are picketing the Kedem store selling Israeli products on Manchester’s upmarket King Street.
The protest is one of many protests worldwide against Israel’s war on Gaza as part of the global campaign for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against Israeli interests.
The Kedem store is subject to this protest because it is an exclusive outlet for beauty products made Israel and sourced illegally from the Dead Sea say the protesters.
Mohamed Ghalayini a Gazan in Manchester says that the support Israel receives from trade and economic activities has a direct relation to Israel’s war crimes on my people“. He continues, “we shall continue to picket this store as a means of protesting Israel’s attacks on civilians and violations of international humanitarian law.”
The United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees says more than 100,000 people in Gaza are now internally displaced with churches, schools and residents caring for those fleeing the war. Nuha El-Farra a Palestinian in Manchester said, “my grandfather’s house has been opened to shelter those seeking refuge. Palestinians have been forced to be refugees so many times now it’s unjust”.
