Traffic diverted due to Belfast protest against war in Gaza
Hundreds of protesters gathered with pots and pans lining Donegall Place and blocking oncoming traffic during the protest this evening.
An online post described it as 'an emergency protest organised in Belfast against the weaponisation of starvation and aid and the ongoing genocide in Gaza, Palestine.'
The PSNI and Translink has been approached for comment.
Israel's war in Gaza has killed more than 59,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. It does not distinguish between militants and civilians.
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Meanwhile, SDLP MPs Claire Hanna and Colum Eastwood and Alliance's Sorcha Eastwood are among 221 MPs from across different political parties who have joined forces to call on the Government to recognise a Palestinian state.
The MPs urge the Government to take the step ahead of a United Nations conference in New York next week, following France's announcement it would recognise Palestine at the gathering.
Their letter, co-ordinated by Sarah Champion - Labour chairwoman of the International Development Select Committee, said: "We are expectant that the outcome of the conference will be the UK Government outlining when and how it will act on its long-standing commitment on a two-state solution; as well as how it will work with international partners to make this a reality."
Parliamentarians from Labour, the Conservatives, Lib Dems, SNP, Greens, Plaid Cymru, SDLP and independents were among those who signed the letter.
Senior signatories include Labour select committee chairs Liam Byrne and Ruth Cadbury, the Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey, as well as Tory former minister Kit Malthouse.
Ministers have faced growing calls to recognise a Palestinian state immediately amid mounting global anger over the starving population in Gaza.
Israel 'tarnishing reputation', Lammy says as country rejects UK warnings
Sir Keir Starmer said on Friday evening that such a move needed to be part of the "pathway" to peace in the Middle East.
"That pathway will set out the concrete steps needed to turn the ceasefire so desperately needed, into a lasting peace," the Prime Minister said.
He added: "Recognition of a Palestinian state has to be one of those steps. I am unequivocal about that. But it must be part of a wider plan which ultimately results in a two-state solution and lasting security for Palestinians and Israelis.
In a statement released on Friday alongside the leaders of France and Germany, the Prime Minister urged "all parties to bring an end to the conflict by reaching an immediate ceasefire".
Sir Keir, French president Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Friedrich Merz also called for Israel to stop restricting the flow of aid into Gaza.
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