Demonstrators Protest Against Palantir
Dozens of people made their way through Leeds City Centre on Saturday 3 October in a collective march to aid in a peaceful protest, led by the Leeds Palestine solidarity campaign, for the people of Palestine.
Many participants held up signs saying ‘Stop Genocide,’ demanding a ‘Permanent Ceasefire Now,’ while others waved Palestinian flags amongst the crowd in support of the protest. The movement progressed through Albion Street, with an increased police presence, while many onlookers joined in, chanting in solidarity for the freedom of Palestinians.
The Leeds Palestine Solidarity Campaign decided to organize this march due to the awareness of Palantir Technologies, a United States technology company providing facilities for Israel. Palantir is allegedly supplying Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems that assist the Israeli Ministry, announcing a strategic partnership with the Israel Ministry of Defense in January 2024 to supply advanced software and war-related Technology. The march aimed to take action to end current and future contracts held with Palantir.
In addition, the march took place in solidarity with the people of Lebanon, following Israeli Strikes across southern Lebanon. According to NewsCord, there were reports of an Israeli Apache helicopter strike on a commercial centre near Mayfadoun, amid an existing ceasefire agreement. The march aimed to raise awareness of the impact of the ongoing conflicts on communities in Lebanon and Gaza, with demonstrators calling for an end to the violence.
Words by Layal Al- Hroub & Anna Shepherd