Protests outside British Museum over removal of ‘Palestine’ from ancient displays.

Описание: Protesters gathered at the British Museum after it removed references to Palestine from its ancient Middle East galleries, a decision widely condemned as an act of cultural erasure.

The museum changed labels in exhibits on ancient Egypt and the Phoenicians, replacing the term “Palestine” with “Canaan” and “Canaanite descent”.

It said the word was not “meaningful” as a historical geographical term for the periods shown.

Historians, legal experts, activists and scholars condemned the move as part of a wider attempt to erase Palestinian history.

Speakers at the protest accused the museum and the British government of being complicit in the ongoing genocide in Palestine.

The changes followed a letter from the pro-Israel lobby group 'UK Lawyers for Israel', which objected to the use of “Palestine” in displays.

Critics say 'UK Lawyers for Israel' is actively leading a coordinated effort to erase references to Palestine and Palestinian freedom from British cultural, academic and public institutions.

The British Museum denied acting in response to the complaint, claiming the decision was based on curatorial judgement.

Support stories that matter. Join this channel to get access to perks:
   / @middleeasteye  

Catch previous episodes of MEE LIVE, our biweekly news programme exploring the stories shaping our world through breaking coverage, expert analysis, and hard-hitting interviews.

Originally airing Tuesdays & Thursdays at 12pm ET | 5pm BST
Got a story tip or question? Reach us at [email protected]

Subscribe to our channel: http://ow.ly/AVlW30n1OWH

Subscribe to MEE Telegram channel to stay up to date: https://t.me/MiddleEastEye_TG

Middle East Eye Website: https://middleeasteye.net
Follow us on TikTok:   / middleeasteye  
Follow us on Instagram:   / middleeasteye  
Like us on Facebook:   / middleeasteye  
Follow us on Twitter:   / middleeasteye