The protest, organized against the backdrop of the Israeli war against Palestine grew reckless.
Protesters chanted ‘Rishi Sunak, shame on you and Palestinians of all generations are being killed as they gathered to show their support for the besieged territory today.
Fireworks were set off at around 1.30pm by a section of pro-Palestinian protestors on Oxford Street and a small scuffle broke out nearby.
AD: Capeesh Restaurant
Other rallies in London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool and elsewhere were largely peaceful – and well-attended. In Manchester alone, more than 2,000 people gathered for a two-hour rally to show their support to Gaza.
The demonstrations come following a mass exodus of Palestinians from the north of Gaza after the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) warned that more than a million people should evacuate towards the south to “save their lives”.
AD: Oysterian Sea Food Restaurant And Bar
Israel has targeted Gaza in the wake of attacks by Hamas that have claimed 1,300 Israeli lives. Palestinian authorities say 2,000 people have been killed in Israel’s bombing campaign.
Flares in the Palestinian colors of red, green, and black illuminated the route, as chants of “Free, free Palestine” resonated through the crowds of people carrying flags and placards.
The demonstration aimed to raise awareness about the plight of Palestinians as violence continues to claim lives in the region.
Seven people being arrested on suspicion of various offenses, including two public order offenses and one case of criminal damage.
The Metropolitan Police deployed over 1,000 officers for the march, issuing a stern warning that anyone showing support for Hamas, designated as a terror organization in the UK, would face arrest..
Legal powers were applied in certain areas of London, compelling individuals to remove items like scarves and masks that could be used to conceal their identities.
Section 12 of the Public Order Act was also enforced to allow senior officers to impose conditions on processions when necessary to prevent public disorder, criminal damage, or disruption.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) ensured that additional staff were available on call during the protest, ready to provide charging advice to the police if required.
Ahead of the rally, protesters gathered outside the BBC’s headquarters, which had been vandalized earlier with red paint thrown at the building.
The BBC has faced criticism from senior Conservatives for its editorial stance, not describing Hamas militants as terrorists. However, Scotland Yard clarified that the incident was not directly linked to any specific protest group.
The Mood of the March
Families with children joined the demonstrators, contributing to a more personal and emotional atmosphere compared to other protests, such as those related to climate change.
The mood shifted as the march proceeded down Whitehall, becoming charged, with denser crowds, louder chants, and unified voices.
Throughout the event, the presence of children in the crowd offered reassurance that the demonstration would remain peaceful. As the day wore on, smaller groups, including families, gathered in between the Women of World War Two memorial and the Cenotaph, engaging in peaceful acts of protest.
Ongoing Conflict in the Middle East
The London protest took place against the backdrop of ongoing violence in the Middle East, where Palestinians continue to evacuate northern Gaza following Israel’s military instructions ahead of an anticipated ground invasion.
The Gaza Strip has endured a prolonged siege and sustained airstrikes in the wake of last weekend’s surprise attack on Israel by Hamas insurgents. The conflict, which has raged on, has thus far claimed over 3,200 lives on both sides.
AD: Heritage And Restaurant Lounge Bar