Pro-Palestinian march draws thousands in London on Saturday

On Saturday, pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in central London to protest against the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The march commenced from Piccadilly Circus around 1:30 PM, passing Hyde Park and concluding on Kensington Road. The Metropolitan Police reported eight arrests during the event, citing various offences, including violations of the Public Order Act. The police had set conditions for the demonstration, mandating it to end by 5 PM. A counter-protest occurred simultaneously on Kensington High Street, where participants expressed support for Israel, waving flags from Israel, Britain, and the United States. Police maintained a significant presence, forming barriers to separate the two groups and ensuring the safety of the Israeli embassy, located nearby. The pro-Palestinian march was organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), marking the 18th such event since the conflict escalated last October. The PSC claimed a victory when the police agreed to allow protesters to assemble at their originally intended location after a week of negotiations. The march faced interruptions when counter-protesters attempted to block its path, highlighting the tensions surrounding the issue. One sign at the pro-Palestinian march drew a parallel between the recent Hamas attack and past terrorist incidents, emphasizing solidarity against perceived injustices. The event underscored the deep divisions in public opinion regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, with both sides passionately advocating for their beliefs. The police's management of the protests reflects ongoing challenges in balancing the right to protest with public order and safety concerns in a politically charged environment.