Clashes broke out between police and pro-Palestinian demonstrators in central London on Saturday, as thousands took part in a march protesting the treatment of Palestinians in Gaza, days after the third anniversary of October 7.
Many marchers carried Palestinian flags, placards and banners voicing solidarity with people in Gaza as the procession moved through the capital.
Tensions escalated on Victoria Embankment when officers began making arrests. Angry protesters confronted police and shouted for those detained to be released as scuffles developed.
The Metropolitan Police placed conditions on both the Palestine Coalition-organised march and a counter-protest, saying the measures were intended to “minimise the risk of serious disruption to communities”.
Police estimated that between 7,000 and 10,000 people could attend the pro-Palestinian demonstration, with crowds beginning to gather at Embankment around midday.
Demonstrators were warned that refusing to remove face coverings could result in arrest.
Shortly after 2pm, officers moved into a group of activists and arrested several individuals.
The arrests took place as thousands passed the Metropolitan Police headquarters. Some protesters directed chants of “shame on you” at a smaller gathering of pro-Israel supporters.
As the atmosphere grew more heated, officers pulled one man away from the crowd, triggering further disorder.
Police surrounded at least two protesters, detaining them on the ground before making arrests. Other activists, several carrying Revolutionary Communist Party flags, then gathered around the officers.
Police and pro-Palestinian protesters clashed in central London on Saturday as thousands marched in opposition to the treatment of Palestinians in Gaza, days after the third anniversary of October 7
Officers moved to arrest members of a crowd of activists shortly after 2pm
Further clashes followed as activists confronted officers making several arrests
Police expected between 7,000 and 10,000 people to join the pro-Palestinian march, which began gathering at Embankment around midday
A woman is arrested by police during Saturday’s pro-Palestinian march through central London
Although officers formed a protective cordon, pockets of violence erupted as some protesters appeared to push through the line. Chants of “let them go” rang out across the crowd.
Protesters shouted abuse at police, who drew their batons as they attempted to force the crowd back.
After officers brought one man to his feet, a person livestreaming the incident asked him why he had been arrested.
The protester replied: “I punched him in the face.”
Among the chants were “f*** the police” and “shame on you”, while anti-police slogans associated with recent riots in France were also heard.
As reinforcements arrived, officers were able to forcibly push activists back to remove the arrested individuals from the scene.
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Deputy Assistant Commissioner Carl Galvin said: ‘We know Saturday’s event, so close to the third anniversary of the terror attack on Israel, has the potential to have a greater impact on communities than the previous national marches.’
Mr Galvin, who is leading the policing operation this weekend, said the force’s presence on Saturday will be ‘significant’.
‘We will also be using powers under the Public Order Act requiring anyone in the protest area wearing face coverings to deliberately conceal their identity to remove them,’ Mr Galvin continued.
Under the act, the police have the power to arrest someone who refuses to remove a mask, he added.
Thousands lined the streets for a pro-Palestine march in central London, pictured here passing Big Ben
People waved Palestinian flags and banners and chanted as they moved along the streets
Up to 10,000 demonstrators are expected to take part in the National March For Palestine
Protesters have been warned they could be arrested if they refuse to remove face masks
A counter protest by Stop The Hate also gathered outside New Scotland Yard
The march is taking place just three days after the third anniversary of October 7 was marked
Pro-Palestine protesters hold placards calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza
He said: ‘And we will do so if we see groups of people who refuse and are covering their faces with the intention to hide their identity, intimidate and commit offences. That is unacceptable.
‘But for individual cases, officers must carefully assess why a person is wearing a mask and respond in a measured way.’
The Met has imposed conditions on the march and requires the group to travel via Westminster Bridge, York Road, Waterloo Bridge and the Strand on to Whitehall – with a rally concluding by 6.30pm.
The force has said that any speeches and music must conclude by 5.30pm.
A counter protest by Stop The Hate is also due to take place outside New Scotland Yard on Saturday, with the force saying it has been in contact with representatives from the group.
The force has also imposed conditions on the demonstration ‘to minimise the risk of serious disruption’.
Demonstrators must remain within a designated area outside the Met’s headquarters, with the assembly concluding at 2.30pm.
The Palestine Coalition organising the march includes Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Stop the War, CND, Muslim Association of Britain, Friends of Al Aqsa and Palestinian Forum in Britain.
A National March for Palestine was also expected to take place in Edinburgh today.
