In response to Israel’s indiscriminate attacks in Gaza, a large protest took place in London, the capital of the United Kingdom, yesterday. Over three hundred thousand people participated in this protest held yesterday. To prevent the protest from escalating, the London police have arrested 82 individuals involved in the demonstration.
Those participating in the protest are reported to be members of various left-wing extremist groups in the country. After the pro-Palestinian demonstration began in central London on Saturday, clashes with the police occurred during the subsequent counter-protest.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has condemned the incidents of violence, stating that those who took part in the large demonstration carried “anti-Semitic slogans and banners supporting Hamas.” He also criticized those who attacked the police in response to the clashes.
Israel has been conducting attacks in Gaza for over a month. During this time, there have been multiple protests in London, advocating for a cessation of hostilities and calling for peace. However, Saturday’s protest was the largest, and it attracted significant attention in London. In particular, after British Home Secretary Sajid Javid described the protest as a “profoundly disturbing march,” tensions increased.
The government had requested the cancellation of the protest to prevent any untoward incidents. However, the Metropolitan Police in London rejected this request, stating that there was no indication of significant violence or concern about public safety associated with the protest. In a statement yesterday, Rishi Sunak said, “According to the law, all forms of criminal behavior must be stopped immediately. I conveyed this to the London Police Commissioner last Wednesday. That’s why they (the police force) were deployed, and that’s what I also want from them as Prime Minister.”
The police report that they have observed several groups of demonstrators involved in the counter-protest on various roads in central London. Clashes with the police have also been reported at several locations involving these counter-protesters.
