Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators took to central London on Saturday to protest the treatment of Palestinians in Gaza, with confrontations between protesters and police breaking out during the march.
The demonstration took place three days after the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks on Israel. Many participants carried Palestinian flags and placards calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza as they moved through the capital.
Tensions escalated on Victoria Embankment shortly after 2pm when officers moved to arrest several people in the crowd. Protesters surrounded police, shouted for those detained to be released and became involved in physical scuffles.
Arrests Spark Clashes Outside Metropolitan Police Headquarters
The confrontations unfolded as demonstrators passed the Metropolitan Police headquarters, where a smaller group of pro-Israel supporters had gathered.
Some marchers shouted “shame on you” towards the counter-protesters before police moved into the crowd to make arrests. Officers formed a protective cordon around people they detained, while other activists pushed towards the police line.
Footage described in reports showed officers pulling demonstrators from the crowd and struggling to maintain a barrier as tensions rose. Police drew their batons to push people back, and additional officers arrived to help remove those arrested from the scene.
During one exchange, a man who was being led away was asked by a person livestreaming the event what he had been arrested for. He replied that he had punched an officer in the face.
Police Expected Up to 10,000 Marchers
The Metropolitan Police had anticipated between 7,000 and 10,000 people would attend the National March for Palestine, which began gathering around Embankment at midday.
The force imposed conditions on both the main demonstration and a counter-protest, saying the measures were intended to minimise the risk of serious disruption to local communities.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Carl Galvin, who was leading the policing operation, said the march had the potential to affect communities more significantly than previous national demonstrations because of its proximity to the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks on Israel.
He said police would maintain a significant presence throughout the weekend.
Face Coverings Could Lead to Arrests
Police also warned demonstrators that they could be arrested if they refused to remove face coverings when officers believed the coverings were being used deliberately to conceal their identities.
Galvin said the force would use powers under the Public Order Act against people who covered their faces with the intention of hiding their identities, intimidating others or committing offences.
However, he stressed that officers should assess individual circumstances before taking action, adding that responses should be measured where people had other reasons for wearing masks.
The warning formed part of the wider policing arrangements put in place for Saturday’s demonstrations.
March Route and Rally Subject to Restrictions
Under the conditions imposed by the Met, the main march was required to travel via Westminster Bridge, York Road, Waterloo Bridge and the Strand before reaching Whitehall.
The rally was scheduled to finish by 6.30pm, while speeches and music were required to end by 5.30pm.
The demonstration was organised by the Palestine Coalition, a group that includes the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Stop the War, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, the Muslim Association of Britain, Friends of Al Aqsa and the Palestinian Forum in Britain.
Participants carried Palestinian flags and banners expressing solidarity with people in Gaza, while some placards called for a permanent ceasefire.
Stop The Hate Counter-Protest Also Held
A separate demonstration organised by Stop The Hate was scheduled to take place outside New Scotland Yard.
The Metropolitan Police said it had been in contact with representatives of the counter-protest and had imposed separate conditions on the gathering to limit disruption.
Participants were required to remain within a designated area outside police headquarters, with the assembly due to conclude at 2.30pm.
The presence of the two groups in the same area added to the policing challenges as officers sought to keep the demonstrations apart.
Edinburgh Also Expected to Host Palestine March
Saturday’s demonstrations were not limited to London. A National March for Palestine was also expected to take place in Edinburgh.
The London march came amid continued protests over the situation in Gaza and renewed public attention surrounding the anniversary of the October 7 attacks.
While thousands took part in the central London procession, the arrests and subsequent clashes on Victoria Embankment became a focal point of the day’s events.
