At a march on Downing Street, scuffles erupted between campaigners and pro-Palestine activists advocating for increased efforts to free Israeli hostages from Hamas.
A small group’s chants of ‘free free Palestine’ led to significant disruptions as both sides clashed in the capital, amidst ongoing protests following Saturday’s chaotic rally in support of Palestine Action.
One counter-demonstrator with gold teeth stuck his tongue out at the main group and appeared to make comments.
Police have removed a number of counter-demonstrators are threatened them with arrest.
Meanwhile, one man a man has reportedly been detained outside Downing Street after a protestor was grabbed by the throat.
He threw water from a bottle over a demonstrator a fracas occurred, which included him being grabbed by the throat.
He had him by his throat for several seconds, witnesses claimed. There was shoving and pushing and then police swooped over him and apprehended him.
One eye-witness said: ‘He grabbed the man by the throat for a few seconds. It was horrific. It was so aggressive. It’s disgusting behaviour.’
A man (left) taking part in the march is grabbed by the throat by another man during the National March For The Hostages, in central London on Sunday
A pro-Palestinian supporter (centre, in white) is removed after interrupting the rally
Reports indicate scuffles occurred during a protest urging the government to take greater action to free Israeli hostages held by Hamas (pictured are some of the campaigners today).
A number of other people have been apprehended but it is unclear if they have been arrested.
The march was peaceful until that point, with no trouble.
Some demonstrators chanted ‘get the terrorist scum off our streets’ in response.
The rally follows a massive gathering of thousands of Left-wing pro-Palestine activists in Westminster on Saturday, resulting in over 530 arrests for backing the newly proscribed group, Palestine Action.
Today’s demonstration features thousands marching to Downing Street, urging Keir Starmer to intensify efforts for the release of Hamas-held hostages in Gaza.
Families of those held captive in Palestine have today slammed the Prime Minister for his efforts to get them released.
The organizers have declared the protest’s stance as ‘unequivocal,’ asserting that Palestine should not be recognized as a state until the hostages are returned.
Israel believes around 20 hostages remain, with protesters today chanting ‘bring them home’ as they approached Downing Street.
Thousands of people took to the street on Saturday demanding more action to free the few remaining Israeli hostages from Hamas (pictured)
The march was reportedly peaceful until pro-Palestine activists allegedly triggered a scuffle (pictured are some of those taking part in Sunday’s rally through Westminster)
Israeli flags – as well as rainbow-coloured Pride flags – were carried by some protesters. Others held pictures of some of the captive Israel hostages
Adam Ma’anti, cousin of hostage Tsachi Idan, said Mr Starmer should do more.
He said: ‘We are deeply concerned. Their lives are at risk. There is no time to lose. We have to bring them home now.
‘I’m desperate to see my cousin come home and the rest of the hostages. I miss him dearly.
‘The UK has not done enough. They need to apply more pressure, especially on states which have a relationship with Hamas.
‘The recent announcement to recognise Palestine is a travesty. It sends the wrong message. It has given Hamas confidence.
‘We were close to a ceasefire. This has emboldens Hamas and they now want more demands.’
He said no recognition of Palestine should be made until the hostages are relieved.
He said: ‘We’re living a nightmare. This has been so distressing for all of the families. Not a moment goes by when I don’t think of him.’
Angela West, 56, from Kilburn, north London, attended the demo with husband, Paul, 57.
The teacher said: ‘Today is a message to the government and the world that we will never forget the hostages.
‘We need peace. We’re desperate. Keir Starmer needs to do more.’
Paul added: ‘This will be peaceful today. We want peace. This isn’t aggression. The world needs peace.’
Thomas Barker, 65, got emotional when talking about the situation.
Sunday’s rally followed a protest by thousands of people in Westminster supporting Palestine Acton, which led to more than 530 people being arrested (pictured is one activist being taken away by police on Saturday)
During a day of chaos and farce, Left-wing activists swamped Parliament Square in London yesterday in support of the organisation, which was proscribed by the Government last month as a terrorist group
Hundreds of pro-Palestine campaigners descended on London’s Parliament Square on Saturday, with hundreds of people arrested (pictured: police lead a protester away)
Militant protesters were accused of a ‘colossal’ waste of millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money after more than 360 deliberately forced police to arrest them by brandishing signs supporting the outlawed group Palestine Action during Saturday’s rally (pictured)
The retired engineer said: ‘The world needs to stand up. That starts today. Keir Starmer needs to put pressure on states that communicate with Hamas. How has this happened? How has it allowed to happen?’
Dozens gathered in Holborn, central London, before a ‘national march for the hostages’ organised by Stop the Hate UK and a number of Jewish groups.
Some protesters held Israeli flags and wore yellow ribbons as they congregated in Lincoln’s Inn Fields from 1.30pm on Sunday.
The march has since arrived at Downing Street, where Noga Guttman, the cousin of kidnapped 24-year-old Evyatar David, will give a speech.
Other speakers include Ayelet Svatitzky, whose brothers Roi and Nadav Popplewell were murdered, and Adam Ma’anit, whose cousin Tsachi Idan saw his eldest daughter’s murder before he himself was later confirmed dead.
The UK’s Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis has joined hundreds of protesters in London.
