Arrests have been made as pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in central London (Ben Bauer/PA) (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in central London ahead of the anniversary of the October 7 attacks in , with 17 arrests made by police as part of a major operation.
The march, which ended with speeches in Whitehall criticising the Government, encountered counter-protests at several locations, prompting a significant policing response across the capital.
Two people were arrested on suspicion of supporting a banned organisation, while eight were detained on suspicion of public order offences, including four allegedly racially aggravated incidents.
Three people were arrested for allegedly assaulting emergency workers, three for common assault, and one for breaching a Public Order Act condition.
Police imposed conditions under the act to prevent disorder after a counter-protest group was deemed too close to the main march.
The force said it was unaware of any significant public events taking place on Monday, the anniversary of the attacks (Jordan Pettitt/PA) (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
The protest began in Bedford Square on Saturday morning, with a heavy police presence, as activists planned to “target” companies and institutions they claim are “complicit in ‘s crimes”, including Barclays Bank and the British Museum.
Demonstrators caused major disruption on Tottenham Court Road by congregating outside a Barclays branch shortly after midday, with a conspicuous banner near the entrance stating: “Shame on those who looked away from the sadistic genocide of mainly children in Gaza and the West Bank.”
Demonstrators at Bedford Square prepare to taker part in the march (Ben Bauer/PA) (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Shortly afterwards, their numbers swelled on Gower Street by the British Museum, necessitating police intervention to preclude them from joining forces with another batch of protestors at Russell Square.
Moving on, the crowd positioned themselves outside the British Library, resonating with chants like: “Yemen, Yemen make us proud. Turn another ship around”, as well as: “British Museum. Paint it red. Over 100,000 dead”.
Many of those gathered chanted free, free Palestine (Ben Bauer/PA) (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
The scene at Bedford Square was marked by demonstrators brandishing Lebanese and Iranian flags alongside banners crying out “we do not stand with genocide” and denouncing “Zionism is racism”, while cries of “free, free Palestine” rang around.
PA Video Grab of a counter pro-Israeli demonstration takes place as people take part in a pro-Palestine march in central London organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and other groups, ahead of the anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel. Picture date: Saturday October 5, 2024. (Image: 2024 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
Amidst the fervour, a protest leader instructed activists, declaring: “We don’t engage the police and don’t engage counter-protesters. We definitely don’t talk to the blue bibs.”
PA Video Grab of people taking part in a pro-Palestine march in central London organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and other groups, ahead of the anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel. Picture date: Saturday October 5, 2024. (Image: 2024 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
The leader persisted, issuing precise directives: “We do not talk or interact with the police. If I am arrested, no comment. If I am arrested, no caution. If I am arrested, no duty solicitor.”
PA Video Grab of a counter pro-Israeli demonstration takes place as people take part in a pro-Palestine march in central London organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and other groups, ahead of the anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel. Picture date: Saturday October 5, 2024. (Image: 2024 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
A seminal point was made with the affirmation that solidarity is their shield – “We are safer when we are together. Only we can keep each other safe.”
PA Video Grab of people taking part in a pro-Palestine march in central London organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and other groups, ahead of the anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel. Picture date: Saturday October 5, 2024. (Image: 2024 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
This rallying call was followed by powerful chants pressing for responsive action: “When Palestine is under attack. What do we do? Stand up. Fight back. When Lebanon is under attack. What do we do? Stand up. Fight back.”
People taking part in a pro-Palestine march in central London organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and other groups. A significant policing operation will be in place across London in response to planned protest and memorial events marking the anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel, the Metropolitan Police said. Picture date: Saturday October 5, 2024. (Image: 2024 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
Tess Yasser, of the Palestinian Youth Movement, has made a powerful statement to the PA news agency regarding their cause: “We’re here today as part of the international day of action that the Palestinian people have called for to demand a full arms embargo.”
People taking part in a pro-Palestine march in central London organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and other groups. A significant policing operation will be in place across London in response to planned protest and memorial events marking the anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel, the Metropolitan Police said. Picture date: Saturday October 5, 2024. (Image: 2024 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
She continued with steadfast resolve, “We’re commemorating one year of genocide, one year of resistance. We’ve seen that the genocide has been a form of collective punishment on the people of Gaza who dare to resist a 17-year siege on them which has been inflicted by .”
People taking part in a pro-Palestine march in central London organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and other groups. A significant policing operation will be in place across London in response to planned protest and memorial events marking the anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel, the Metropolitan Police said. Picture date: Saturday October 5, 2024. (Image: 2024 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
Yasser asserted that the Gazan people’s resistance will persist: “They will continue to resist until the genocide is over and they see the full liberation of their lands and their people.”
Demonstrators gathered at Bedford Square (Ben Bauer/PA) (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Pro-Palestinian supporters are expected to march through Edinburgh’s heart on Saturday afternoon, marking a stand against Israeli actions.
The force said it was unaware of any significant public events taking place on Monday, the anniversary of the attacks (Jordan Pettitt/PA) (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
In contrast, Sunday afternoon will see Hyde Park become the venue for a memorial event, backed by prominent Jewish organisations including the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the Jewish Leadership Council among others.
Demonstrators at Bedford Square prepare to taker part in the march (Ben Bauer/PA) (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
With the anniversary of the attacks approaching, law enforcement remains vigilant. Commander Lou Puddefoot, heading the operation, has assured that her force has remained impartial throughout.
Many of those gathered chanted free, free Palestine (Ben Bauer/PA) (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Puddefoot said, “Protests and related events have become a feature of the 12 months since the appalling terrorist attacks in almost a year ago,” declaring her commitment, “We have policed them without fear or favour, ensuring that lawful protest has been allowed to take place but intervening where the line has been crossed into criminality.”
Demonstrators at Bedford Square prepare to taker part in a pro-Palestine march in central London organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and other groups. A significant policing operation will be in place across London in response to planned protest and memorial events marking the anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel, the Metropolitan Police said. Picture date: Saturday October 5, 2024. (Image: 2024 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
“We recognise that as we go into this weekend, so close to the anniversary of October 7, emotions will be heightened and fears about safety and security understandably increased.”
Demonstrators at Bedford Square prepare to taker part in a pro-Palestine march in central London organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and other groups. A significant policing operation will be in place across London in response to planned protest and memorial events marking the anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel, the Metropolitan Police said. Picture date: Saturday October 5, 2024. (Image: 2024 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
“Officers have been in regular contact with event organisers. We have detailed plans in place to ensure the safety of those attending and to be able to respond to any incidents or offences.”
Demonstrators at Bedford Square prepare to taker part in a pro-Palestine march in central London organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and other groups. A significant policing operation will be in place across London in response to planned protest and memorial events marking the anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel, the Metropolitan Police said. Picture date: Saturday October 5, 2024. (Image: 2024 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
“We are also working closely with key partners in communities to provide advice, reassurance and a visible presence particularly in those areas where we know fears are heightened.”
Demonstrators at Bedford Square prepare to taker part in a pro-Palestine march in central London organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and other groups. A significant policing operation will be in place across London in response to planned protest and memorial events marking the anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel, the Metropolitan Police said. Picture date: Saturday October 5, 2024. (Image: 2024 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
“I would urge anyone who sees or hears something suspicious, no matter how small, to tell us. Call 101, or 999 in an emergency. If you are at an event and there are officers there, please raise your concerns with them. They are there to help, to reassure and to keep you safe.”