A significant pro-Palestinian demonstration took place in London, with thousands of participants advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza. The march, which is part of a global day of action occurring in 30 countries, was marked by the presence of various symbolic elements and a substantial police deployment.
The demonstrators, holding “ceasefire now” placards, were joined by a large puppet of a Syrian child refugee named Little Amal. This puppet, standing 11 feet tall, symbolizes the plight of child refugees and has become an international icon of human rights. This addition to the march aimed to draw attention to the impact of the conflict on children, particularly in Gaza.
Over 1,700 police officers were assigned to oversee the orderly progression of the march from London’s commercial heart to Westminster. During the event, the Metropolitan Police reported six arrests for various alleged offenses, including two related to offensive placards, one for possession of stickers intended for criminal damage, and three under the Terrorism Act.
In preparation for the march, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor of the Metropolitan Police had issued a warning against pushing legal boundaries with provocative placards or chants. To reinforce this, police distributed flyers to protesters, reminding them to remain within legal limits.
This protest is the seventh major pro-Palestinian march in London following the escalation of tensions due to Hamas attacks on southern Israel on October 7. These events have led to significant casualties and kidnappings, according to reports. Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza has been dire, with thousands reported killed in the conflict, as per the Hamas-run health ministry.
The protests in London, occurring most weekends, have drawn tens of thousands of participants. While largely peaceful, there have been numerous arrests for public order offenses, including antisemitic slogans and support for Hamas, which is recognized as a terrorist organization in the UK.
The demonstration route was clearly defined, with limitations set by the Met, including a prohibition on entering the area near the Israeli embassy. Home Secretary James Cleverly expressed his support for the police’s efforts to maintain order and safety during the protest.
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was among the speakers at the event, calling for a ceasefire. The demonstration in London is part of a broader Global Day of Action, with similar protests in Indonesia, Thailand, and other locations. A rally supporting Israel is scheduled to occur in London’s Trafalgar Square on the following day.
