Thousands of individuals participated in a pro-Palestinian march in London, urging for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
The demonstration, organized as part of a global day of action spanning 30 countries, saw protesters carrying placards with the resounding message, “Ceasefire now.”
Notably, a giant puppet named Little Amal, symbolizing a Syrian child refugee, accompanied the march to draw attention to the plight of displaced children.
The march, which took place from London’s commercial centre to Westminster, attracted a significant police presence, with over 1,700 officers on duty to manage the procession.
Six individuals were arrested for various alleged offences, including two for offensive placards, one for possessing stickers intended for criminal damage, and three under the Terrorism Act, as reported by the Metropolitan Police on social media.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor from the Met issued a warning ahead of the march, cautioning those who “intentionally push the limit” on placards or slogans that they could face arrest.
In addition to the police presence, officers distributed flyers to protesters emphasizing the importance of “keeping on the right side of the law.”
This marked the seventh national pro-Palestinian march held in London, triggered by the unprecedented Hamas attacks on southern Israel on October 7. These attacks resulted in approximately 1,300 casualties and over 240 kidnappings.
The conflict has been ongoing, with more than 23,000 people killed in Gaza since Israel initiated its retaliatory bombing campaign and subsequent ground offensive, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Protests in the British capital have been recurring on most weekends, drawing tens of thousands of largely peaceful participants. However, there have been instances of arrests for various public order offences.
These include individuals chanting or displaying placards with antisemitic slogans and expressing support for Hamas, which is classified as an illegal terrorist organization in the UK.
The demonstration in London is part of a broader global movement advocating for a peaceful resolution to the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the protests, the participants continue to amplify their calls for a ceasefire and a renewed commitment to dialogue and diplomacy.
The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing efforts to address the root causes of the conflict and foster a climate conducive to lasting peace in the region.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
