London’s Ovo Arena Wembley on Wednesday buzzed with pro-Palestinian slogans as 12,500 attendees filled the venue for Britain’s largest fundraising event for Gaza. The concert, titled “Together for Palestine” (T4P), sold tickets for £70 ($95) each and was livestreamed to a global audience. This event marked the latest in a series of pro-Palestinian gatherings in the British capital, which has witnessed numerous marches and demonstrations since the conflict escalated nearly two years ago.
British musician and political activist Brian Eno organized the fundraiser to support charities operating in Palestinian territories. He aimed to inspire celebrities to raise their voices for the cause. Consequently, the star-studded lineup featured actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Florence Pugh, as well as documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux. Theroux’s recent film took him to the occupied West Bank, where he interviewed Israeli settlers. The event also highlighted Palestinian voices and human rights activists.
Additionally, Eno revealed that just a year ago, no venue would host an event featuring the word “Palestine.” However, he noted, “things have changed.” He added, “Israel thought starving a whole population would be fine with everyone… I think that changed people’s minds.”
UN Declares Famine in Gaza
Last month, the United Nations officially declared a famine in Gaza, attributing it to the “systematic obstruction” of aid by Israel during the ongoing conflict. On Tuesday, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry stated that “genocide is occurring in Gaza,” again placing blame on Israel. In response, Israel, which initiated its offensive in Gaza on 7 October, 2023, strongly denied these allegations, calling the latest report “distorted and false.”
Moreover, participants at T4P emphasized the importance of speaking out against the ongoing crisis, as the crowd, many waving Palestinian flags, cheered for Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories. Albanese, who has faced severe criticism from Israel and its allies, declared, “The genocide in Gaza is a defining moment.” She urged those in power to participate in the conversation and encourage others to speak without fear.
Art as a Medium of Solidarity
The stage featured Palestinian artwork curated by Gazan artist Malak Mattar, vividly depicting the situation in Gaza, stating, “We want to empower people to take action. We owe the people of Palestine our solidarity.”
Since the beginning of the war, Israel’s strikes have claimed over 65,000 Palestinian lives, also mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, which the UN considers reliable.
Funds raised from Wednesday’s concert, along with online donations, will support British charity Choose Love. This organization focuses on aiding Palestinian-led initiatives that provide essential humanitarian relief.
