**Pro-Palestinian Protest Blocks Roads in Belfast**
A group of protesters gathered outside Belfast City Hall on Friday evening to stage a sit-down protest, bringing traffic to a standstill. The demonstrators, who were advocating for Palestinian rights, blocked roads on Donegall Street and Chichester Street.
The protesters used creative methods to draw attention to their cause. They displayed pictures of malnourished children and made noise by banging pots and pans while chanting slogans like “Free, Free Palestine”. The police confirmed that Donegall Square North was closed for a brief period but has since reopened.
**Call for UK Recognition of Palestinian State**
The protest coincided with an important development in the UK’s stance on Palestinian rights. More than one-third of MPs signed an open letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, calling for the UK to recognize a Palestinian state. This move was seen as a significant step towards resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
According to reports, over half of the 220 MPs who backed this call were from the Labour party. They argued that UK recognition would send a powerful message and be crucial in achieving a two-state resolution. Notable signatories included Claire Hanna, Colum Eastwood, and Sorcha Eastwood from the Alliance and SDLP parties.
**What’s Next?**
The demonstration and the open letter to the Prime Minister highlight the growing momentum for Palestinian rights in the UK. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how this will impact the country’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Will the UK follow suit with other countries that have already recognized a Palestinian state?
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