London: Scotland Yard arrested at least 29 individuals on charges of breaching the Terrorist Act, promoting racial hatred, and disobeying dispersal orders following a pro-Palestinian demonstration held in London on Saturday. Around 30,000 people gathered in Trafalgar Square for the protest, which was the fourth consecutive Saturday event. An additional 350 protesters from the Free Palestine Coalition brought Oxford Street to a standstill, joining the movement in various parts of the UK, including Edinburgh and Glasgow.
During the demonstration, the streets were filled with pro-Palestinian groups calling for a ceasefire and showing support for Palestine. Demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and expressed their concerns about the ongoing conflict. One protester, Adam, who attended with his brother Imraan, stated, "War crimes are being committed in Gaza, and everybody just wants it to end." Another protester, Saima, who came with friends, said, "We saw messages on social media and believed attending the rally was a moral obligation." Even a five-year-old boy named Mohammad joined the protest, along with many others chanting "Free Palestine."
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has resulted in casualties on both sides, with over 1,400 people killed in Israel and nearly 9,500 lives lost in the Gaza Strip. The pro-Palestine protest in London has not only heightened divisions among the general public but also within the realm of politics. London Mayor and Labour Party member Sadiq Khan called for a ceasefire, acknowledging the severity of Hamas's attack on Israel. However, Labour's leader, Kier Starmer, resisted such a call.
On the other hand, Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Rishi Sunak maintained strong support for Israel while advocating for peace and solidarity. Another pro-Palestinian protest is planned for Armistice Day on November 11, a move criticized by Sunak as potentially "provocative and disrespectful." Armistice Day commemorates the signing of an armistice agreement that marked the end of the First World War. Protesters like Samia and her friends expressed their intention to participate in the rally on November 11. To ensure the safety and security of such events, the police are closely monitoring social media and making special arrangements for Armistice Day.
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