Protesters around the world rally in support of Palestine

Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets around the world against a backdrop of escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Huge crowds came together yesterday across Scotland in solidarity with Palestinians after they were told to evacuate northern Gaza ahead of an expected ground invasion.

In Glasgow, thousands of protesters held banners with messages such as “free Palestine” and “we won’t be silenced” as they marched through the city centre.

Humza Yousaf’s parents were among those making their voices heard just hours after the first minister said he feels powerless to help members of his family who were currently trapped in Gaza.

Hundreds of people attended a similar march in Edinburgh, with demonstrations also taking place in Aberdeen and Dundee.

Adeel Mohammad, who attended the Glasgow protest with a friend, said: “I’m proud to be out in Glasgow to say end the violent siege of Gaza.

“We need the world to know that we stand with Gaza and we will continue to fight for them. Our hearts and thoughts are with them.”

© Andrew Cawley

Mary Smith said: “We stand in solidarity with those in Gaza. It’s unbelievable to think that it’s come to what it has. Those poor people.”

Meanwhile, a gathering in London attracted thousands, despite police warning in advance that anyone showing support for Hamas – which rules Gaza but is considered a terror organisation in the UK – could face arrest.

More than 1,000 officers were deployed by the Metropolitan Police as protesters marched from the BBC’s New Broadcasting House to Downing Street.

The broadcaster’s London headquarters was earlier splattered with red paint amid anger from pro-Palestinian groups over its coverage of the war.

In Baghdad, tens of thousands of Iraqis rallied in central Tahrir Square.

Germany and France banned demonstrations supporting Palestine and several countries stepped up security at synagogues and Jewish schools fearing protests could lead to outbreaks of violence.

Jewish communities around the world also held rallies in support of Israel.