Pro-Palestine protesters urge Christmas shoppers to boycott 鈥業sraeli-connected鈥� brands in London

Over 400 demonstrators marched from Soho Square, across Oxford Street, Regent Street and into Carnaby Street, where they grouped outside the Puma store with many chanting: "Shut it down." (X/@SistersUncut)
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  • Demonstrators grouped outside the Puma store with many chanting: 鈥楽hut it down鈥�
  • Two Zara branches were targeted by the protesters, who were heard shouting: 鈥榋ara, Zara, you can鈥檛 hide, stop supporting genocide鈥�

LONDON: Christmas shoppers in Central London were urged by hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters not to purchase items from Israeli-linked fashion stores, Sky News reported on Saturday.

Over 400 demonstrators marched from Soho Square, across Oxford Street, Regent Street and into Carnaby Street, where they grouped outside the Puma store, with many chanting: 鈥淪hut it down.鈥�

Puma was printed on a list of brands to boycott on leaflets that the demonstrators handed out as the sportswear brand sponsors the Israeli national football team.

During the march, protestors waved Palestinian flags, played music, let off smoke colored red, black, green and white, and held banners showing solidarity with Gaza, while some blocked the Puma store鈥檚 entrance.

Another targeted store was fashion giant Zara, which had earlier this month removed an online advert following complaints it contained images resembling the Israel-Hamas war.

Two Zara branches were targeted by the protesters, who were heard shouting: 鈥淶ara, Zara, you can鈥檛 hide, stop supporting genocide.鈥�

Security guards shut down the Zara stores and kept them guarded.

Police said no arrests were made during the march, which was organized by the direct action group Sisters Uncut, which campaigns against gender-based violence.

As the demonstration started from Soho Square, protesters chanted 鈥淔ree Palestine.鈥� Distributed leaflets read: 鈥淣o Christmas as usual in a genocide. The UK is complicit.

鈥淒on鈥檛 fund genocide in Palestine. Boycott Israel.鈥�

As protestors marched toward Oxford Street, traffic came to a standstill.

鈥淭he protest was a pre-planned event by Sisters Uncut 鈥� yes, we have a policing presence there. The march has now moved from Oxford Street and it is fully open. There have been no arrests,鈥� said a Met Police statement.