A large pro-Palestine demonstration took place in central London on Saturday, with participants carrying flags and placards calling for an end to what they characterized as genocide in Gaza and the West Bank. Organizers estimated the attendance at 250,000 people, making it a significant show of public support for the Palestinian cause.
The Metropolitan Police made 20 arrests during the event, citing incidents including criminal damage to the Battle of Britain memorial, possession of placards associated with the proscribed organization Palestine Action, and assault on officers. Police implemented conditions on the march route, requiring participants to travel via specific streets and conclude activities by designated times, with speeches and music ending by 5:30pm.
Protesters called for the UK government to halt arms supplies to Israel, citing positions from international bodies including the UN, Amnesty International, and Israeli-based human rights organizations that have characterized Israeli actions in Gaza as genocide. A ceasefire was declared a year ago, though Israeli military operations have continued. According to UN figures, 230 Palestinians were killed in the West Bank by Israeli forces and settlers in 2025, while Gaza’s death toll has increased by approximately 1,400 people over the past year.
The march, organized by the Palestine Coalition, came shortly after the UK foreign secretary announced trade sanctions against Israeli settlements and declared the UK’s official position that Israel’s West Bank occupation is unlawful. Police described the demonstration as potentially more impactful than previous national marches, given its proximity to the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks. A separate counter-protest by Stop The Hate also took place outside police headquarters with approximately 30 participants.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI