Campaign Against Israel in London in Support of Palestinians, Camden and Waltham Forest Initiatives

Campaign Against Israel in London in Support of Palestinians, Camden and Waltham Forest Initiatives

London, April 2, 2025 — Pro-Palestine activists in London have recently launched a divestment campaign in two areas. One group has successfully achieved its goal. A year ago, in protest against the attacks on Palestinians in Gaza, residents of Camden started a petition urging the local council to stop investing in pension funds associated with companies linked to Israel. The petition was led by the Camden Friends of Palestine group and collected more than 4,200 signatures.

However, this petition ultimately failed. In a council meeting, the issue of "responsible investment" was referred to a pension committee. Tensions increased recently when the council decided to ban banners, placards, and flags at meetings. This decision appeared to specifically target the pro-Palestine movement, as such posters included messages like "Stop Genocide."

A spokesperson from the Camden Friends of Palestine group told Al Jazeera that the council's action was seen as a threat to their rights and undemocratic behavior towards local residents. However, they added, "This is not the end. Our solidarity with the Palestinians is limitless, and we will continue to fight for divestment from Israel's war machinery."

Meanwhile, another group in Waltham Forest, London, had also started a similar divestment campaign and has been successful. In July 2024, Waltham Forest Council decided to stop investments linked to companies involved in weapon manufacturing, which supplies arms to Israel.

These movements are an attempt to force local councils to respond to global issues, although they have mainly been able to achieve symbolic change.