Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters marched through central London to reiterate their calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
The march was organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) and saw protesters walk from Park Lane to Parliament.
It comes amid a heavy police presence – with a counter-protest from the pro-Israel Stop the Hate group on the route – and on one of the busiest shopping days in the capital in the run-up to Christmas.
The Metropolitan Police have reminded protesters that expressing support for the militant groups Hamas or Hezbollah is a criminal offense – with both terror organizations banned in Britain.
Officers said chanting slogans, wearing clothing and displaying items including flags, signs or logos showing support for the groups amount to an offence.
Speeches took place outside Parliament in Whitehall, and demonstrators were told to end at 4:30 PM GMT.
The Stop the Hate supporters gathered on the route of the march, in Coventry Street, near Piccadilly Circus. The two groups were separated by metal barriers and a line of police officers.
[PA Media]
A Stop the Hate counter-protest took place along the route of the march [PA Media]
Jon Savell, deputy assistant commissioner of Scotland Yard, who is in charge of Saturday’s police operation, said the Met was working with organizers to “minimize disruption” and “balance the right to protest” .
He said: “Ahead of the weekend we have had regular conversations with the PSC, Stop the Hate counter-protesters, as well as faith and community groups – particularly the Jewish community who we know continue to be affected by protests – residents, and businesses. ”
The officer added that there were also “many people shopping during the Black Friday sales and visiting the capital ahead of the festive period, including Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, which is nearby”.
Israel launched a campaign in Gaza to destroy Hamas in response to the group’s unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and took 251 others hostage.
More than 44,000 people have been killed and more than 104,000 injured in Gaza since then, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.
According to the PSC, the march in London was the 22nd since the conflict began.
It also comes in the week that a ceasefire was reached to end the thirteen-month conflict between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.
Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, all charged with crimes against humanity for their role in the Gaza war .
Britain would respect its legal obligations when it comes to the arrest warrant, Downing Street has indicated.
