Freedom for Palestine have been protesting in St Peter’s Square every Saturday since Israel launched its assault on Gaza in October 2023, but this weekend climate justice campaigners joined forces with them to highlight the interconnectedness of their fights.
Speeches were heard from both bases, shedding a light on the climate impacts of the onslaught on Gaza, and the ways in which fossil fuel profits fund the genocide.
After a rally outside the Manchester central library, the group made their way across the city, marching to Brunswick Park on the University of Manchester campus.
Those who participated in the protests included members from GM Climate Justice Coalition, Just Stop Oil, rs21, Youth Front for Palestine, Friends of the Earth, Extinction Rebellion, Campaign Against Climate Change, and Greens for Palestine.
Sami Mir from Manchester Greens for Palestine said: “Many members of the Green Party took part in the pro-Palestine demonstration in Manchester as they believe that the bombing in Gaza is creating environmental and ecological disaster and causing human suffering.”
The march was organised to coincide with COP29 proceedings in Baku, as a way to draw attention to the failings of the global climate summit, as well as the interconnectedness of climate crisis and the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
The decision to host in Azerbaijan, a country whose economy is dependent on oil and gas exports, was already controversial; the situation become more dire last week when the chief executive of COP29 was filmed apparently agreeing to facilitate oil and gas deals at the conference.
Demonstrations to protest what is seen as a failing of leaders to achieve meaningful action on climate happened all over the world; notably in Baku itself, as well as London in the UK.
Linda Walker, from Greater Manchester Climate Justice Coalition, said: “If we can come together to recognise the interconnectedness of all these issues and stand in solidarity with all those campaigning for climate justice, restoration of nature, racial equality, human rights, nuclear disarmament, cancellation of debt and a free Palestine, we will be unstoppable!”
For many participants, this may have been the first time they considered the interconnectedness of struggles for climate justice and justice for Palestine, but moving forward activists are hopeful that greater cooperation and solidarity will help both movements achieve their aims.
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Featured image and other images: Anja Jungmayr
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