by Arrests have been made and thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters have gathered in central London ahead of the anniversary of the October 7 attacks on Israel.
The march, which culminated in speeches in Whitehall criticizing the Government, was met with counter-protests at the King’s Road and Aldwych junction and at the Trafalgar Square junction.
Officers have so far made 17 arrests, the Metropolitan Police said, as part of a “significant” police operation across the capital in response to planned protest and commemoration events.
The total number of arrests at today’s protest was 17.
3 x assaulting an emergency worker2 x supporting a banned organisation3 x common assault8 x public order offenses (4 racial ones)1 x breaching the conditions of the Public Order Act
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) October 5, 2024
Two arrests were made on suspicion of supporting a banned organisation, one of which included a protester apparently wearing a parachute, and eight arrests were made on suspicion of public order offences, four of which were allegedly racially aggravated .
Three people were arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker, three people were arrested on suspicion of common assault and one person was arrested on suspicion of breaching a condition under the Public Order Act.
Conditions under the Prevention of Disorder Act were imposed after a group of counter-protesters were deemed too close to the main march and too far away from the agreed area.
Activists gathered in Bedford Square on Saturday morning amid a heavy police presence.
According to the organizers, they planned to “target” companies and institutions they say are “complicit in Israel’s crimes”, including Barclays Bank and the British Museum.
Demonstrators blocked Tottenham Court Road gathering outside a Barclays branch just after midday, with a sign near the entrance reading: “Shame on those who looked away from the sad genocide of children in part more in Gaza and the West Bank.”
Some time later they blocked Gower Street near the British Museum and the police appeared to form a line to prevent the group from meeting with another group of activists in Russell Square.
They then gathered outside the British Library, chanting: “Yemen, Yemen makes us proud. Turn another ship around”, and: “British Museum. Paint it red. Over 100,000 dead”.
In Bedford square, some held Lebanese and Iranian flags and banners saying “we do not stand for genocide” and “Zionism is racism”, while many chanted “free Palestine”.
A protest leader told activists: “We don’t hide the police and we don’t hide counter-protesters. We certainly don’t talk to the blue bibs.
“We don’t talk or interact with the police. If I get caught, there is no mention of it. If I get caught, there will be no warning. If I am arrested, there will be no attorney on duty.
“We are safer when we are together. We can only keep each other safe.”
This was followed by a chant about: “When Palestine is under attack. What do we do? Stand up. Fight back. When Lebanon is under attack. What do we do? Stand up. Fight back.”
Tess Yasser, from the Palestinian Youth Movement, told the PA news agency: “We are here today as part of the international day of action called for by the Palestinian people to demand a total arms embargo.
“We are commemorating one year of genocide, one year of resistance. We have seen that the genocide is a form of collective punishment for the people of Gaza who wanted to resist a 17-year siege by Israel.
“They will continue to resist until the genocide ends and they see the complete liberation of their lands and their people.”
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators will march through the center of Edinburgh on Saturday evening.
On Sunday evening, a memorial event will be held in Hyde Park, organized by the British Jewish Board of Deputies, the Jewish Leadership Council and other groups.
The force said it was not aware of any significant public events taking place on Monday, the anniversary of the attacks.
Commander Lou Puddefoot, who is in charge of the operation, said the police force had previously shown protests “without fear or favour”.
“Protests and related events have become a feature of the 12 months since the horrific terrorist attacks on Israel almost a year ago,” she said.
“We have policed them without fear or favour, ensuring that legal protest was allowed but intervening when the line was crossed into criminality.
“We recognize that as we approach this weekend, which is so close to the October 7th anniversary, emotions will be heightened and fears about safety and security will increase.
“The officers were in regular contact with the organizers of the events. We have detailed plans in place to ensure the safety of those attending and to be able to respond to any incidents or offences.
“We are also working closely with key partners in communities to provide advice, reassurance and a visible presence particularly in those areas where we know there is increased fear.
“I would encourage anyone who sees or hears something suspicious, no matter how small, to tell us. Call 101, or 999 in an emergency. If you are leaving and officers are there, please let them know your concerns. They are there to help you, to reassure you and to keep you safe.”
