Suad Chentoufi reports on Stop the War’s workplace day of action for Palestine

On the 77th anniversary of the Nakba, a UK-wide Workplace Day of Action unfolded in solidarity with Palestine. From walkouts to vigils, the coordinated actions served as a powerful political statement, linking local struggles to global systems of oppression.

The Nakba — Arabic for “catastrophe” — refers to the 1948 expulsion of over 700,000 Palestinians during the formation of Israel. For Palestinians, this is not history alone but a continuing reality of occupation, siege, and exile.

Across the country, communities turned out in force. In Tower Hamlets, the action was dubbed a “Tower Hamlets Spring,” drawing inspiration from the Arab Spring and reflecting a surge of local, grassroots organising rooted in anti-imperialist solidarity.

Schools and universities participated actively. Teachers, tutors, and students joined in walkouts and street-level actions. The day was described as “very busy,” with separate actions happening across multiple sites and sectors.

University students cited recent devastation in Gaza as a catalyst for action. “We cannot sit back and watch the death of innocent civilians and not do anything,” one student said. A tutor echoed, “This has gone on for decades — it is time for it to stop.”

Others reflected on the trauma of war. “I remember when I was a child and Somalia was going through a civil war,” said one participant. “Although I am an adult now, I still have flashbacks. I think about the children of Gaza — will they ever recover?”

Another worker shared, “It feels absolutely great to take action at my workplace to show our support and solidarity with the people of Gaza.” The emotional tone of the day was captured by a participant who added: “I hope it sends a message of hope and love to the people of Gaza and Palestine. We see them, we hear their cries and pain, and we will keep fighting for them until they are free and can live a peaceful life in a free Palestine.”

Frustration also mounted over the silence of institutions. “It is important to keep spreading the truth about what is happening — we demand our university divest, but they won’t even speak to us,” another student said.

Educators shared this resolve. “I am proud to have taken part in this action,” said a teacher in Tower Hamlets. “It’s very important that we come out for the Palestinian cause — to show our solidarity. Our leaders need to listen to our voices, because we are not going anywhere.”

Anger was also directed at political leaders. Labour’s Keir Starmer and David Lammy were criticised for what many called deliberate misinformation in Parliament, specifically denying the UK’s involvement in supplying F-35 jet components used in Israeli attacks — despite evidence to the contrary.

This is not just a humanitarian issue — it is a class and anti-imperialist struggle. From Gaza to Tower Hamlets, this is not charity. This is solidarity. A global movement is rising — and it will not be silenced.