Celebrities Rally in London at Gaza Fundraiser

Pro-Palestinian slogans echoed through Ovo Arena Wembley in London on Wednesday, as the 12,500-capacity venue sold out for the UK’s largest fundraising event for the people of Gaza.

The livestreamed “Together for Palestine” (T4P) concert, with tickets priced at £70 ($95) each, marked the latest in a series of pro-Palestinian events in the British capital, which has witnessed numerous marches and demonstrations since the conflict began nearly two years ago.

The fundraiser was organised by British musician and political activist Brian Eno to support charities working in Palestinian territories and to encourage high-profile figures to speak out.

The event featured a star-studded line-up, including:

• Benedict Cumberbatch – Actor
• Florence Pugh – Actress
• Louis Theroux – Documentary filmmaker, noted for his recent film on Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank
• Francesca Albanese – UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories
• Palestinian voices and human rights activists

Eno noted that just a year ago, no venue in London would host an event bearing the word “Palestine”. “Things have changed,” he said. “Israel thought starving a whole population would be fine with everyone… I think that changed people’s minds.”

The United Nations declared a famine in Gaza last month, citing systematic obstruction of aid by Israel during the war.

A UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry recently stated that “genocide is occurring in Gaza”, again attributing responsibility to Israel. Israel, which launched its offensive in Gaza following Hamas attacks on 7 October 2023, has strongly denied these claims, calling the report “distorted and false”.

The concert crowd, many waving Palestinian flags, cheered Francesca Albanese, who stated: “The genocide in Gaza is a defining moment. Anyone who holds a position of power, including to narrate, has the responsibility to take part in this, to make people understand that they shouldn’t feel fear to speak.”

Stage design featured Palestinian artwork curated by Gazan artist Malak Mattar, depicting life and suffering in Gaza. Mattar said: “We want to empower people to take action. We owe the people of Palestine our solidarity.”

The T4P concert and online donations will support Choose Love, a British charity, which aids Palestinian-led organisations providing essential humanitarian relief.

The event highlighted the continuing human cost of the conflict and underscored the role of celebrities and public figures in raising awareness.