Protesters chanting ‘free Palestine’ clash with police during angry London demonstrations_l
The protests are taking place against a backdrop of rising tensions in the Middle East.
Pro-Palestinian protesters gather in London
Police have arrested 15 people during protests in central London as tensions mounted over Israel’s invasion of Lebanon and Iran’s retaliatory airstrike.
One individual was arrested on suspicion of supporting a proscribed organisation, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Seven arrests were made on suspicion of public order offences, three of which were allegedly racially aggravated.
Additionally, three people were arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker, three on suspicion of assault, and one person for allegedly breaching a Public Order Act condition.
The arrests came as part of a “significant” policing operation across the capital in response to planned protests and memorial events, with tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters gathering in the capital. Drone footage showed large crowds, with organisers claiming 100,000 people were on the streets.
In total, 15 people had been arrested as of 4pm (Image: GETTY)
The police reported that some arrests were made when individuals attempted to breach a cordon formed by officers to prevent groups from splitting away from the main protest.
The march encountered counter-protests at the junction of Kingsway and Aldwych, as well as at the junction of the Strand and Trafalgar Square, according to the police. Three individuals were arrested after a small group broke away from the main protest and tried to approach the counter-demonstration at Aldwych.
Activists gathered in Bedford Square on Saturday morning amid a heavy police presence. Organisers said they intended to “target” companies and institutions they claim are “complicit in Israel‘s crimes,” including Barclays Bank and the British Museum.
Demonstrators blocked Tottenham Court Road after midday by gathering outside a Barclays branch, with a sign held near the entrance reading: “Shame on those who looked away from the sadistic genocide of mainly children in Gaza and the West Bank.”
Shortly afterwards, they blocked Gower Street near the British Museum, and the police appeared to form a line to stop the group from linking up with another group of activists in Russell Square.
Police arresting a man at the pro-Palestine march taking place in Central London today (Image: Steve Bainbridge)
The protesters then gathered outside the British Library, chanting: “Yemen, Yemen make us proud. Turn another ship around,” and, “British Museum. Paint it red. Over 100,000 dead.”
In Bedford Square, some held Lebanese and Iranian flags, with banners reading “we do not stand with genocide” and “Zionism is racism,” while many chanted “free, free Palestine.”
A protest leader addressed the activists, saying: “We don’t engage with the police or counter-protesters. We definitely don’t talk to the blue bibs.
“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.
“We are safer when we are together. Only we can keep each other safe.”
Pro-Palestine and pro-Israel supporters confront one another in Central London today (Image: GETTY)
This was followed by chants of: “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.”
Former Labour leader and Islington North MP Jeremy Corbyn is among those attending the pro-Palestine rally.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators will also march through the centre of Edinburgh on Saturday afternoon.
On Sunday afternoon, a memorial event will take place in Hyde Park, organised by the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the Jewish Leadership Council, and other groups.
The police said they were unaware of any significant public events planned for Monday, the anniversary of the attacks.
Commander Lou Puddefoot, who is leading the operation, said the police had previously handled protests “without fear or favour.”
She said: “Protests and related events have been a feature of the past 12 months since the appalling terrorist attacks in Israel nearly a year ago.”
“We have policed them without fear or favour, ensuring that lawful protests could take place, but intervening when the line was crossed into criminality.
Pro-Israeli counter demonstrators shout at pro-Palestinian activists (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“We recognise that this weekend, so close to the anniversary of 7th October, emotions will be heightened, and concerns about safety and security are understandably increased.
“Officers have been in regular contact with event organisers. We have detailed plans in place to ensure the safety of attendees and to respond to any incidents or offences.
“We are also working closely with key community partners to provide advice, reassurance, and a visible presence, particularly in areas where we know concerns are heightened.
“I would urge anyone who sees or hears something suspicious, no matter how small, to report it to us. Call 101, or 999 in an emergency. If you are at an event with officers present, please share your concerns with them. They are there to help, reassure, and keep you safe.”
