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Outrage has been sparked after hundreds of pro-Palestinian protestors descended on central London, with some wielding anti-Semitic placards saying ‘I really like Hezbollah’.
The Metropolitan Police mentioned they’ve arrested sixteen folks after a ‘vital’ operation was in place throughout the capital – with a number of arrests occurring simply minutes after the march formally set off.
The protest, which was organised by the Palestinian Solidarity Group and others to mark the yr anniversary of the seventh October terrorist assault on Israel, referred to as for an instantaneous ceasefire in Gaza and an finish to Israel’s assaults on Lebanon.
Droves of protesters waved their flags and banners, with one marcher taking a swipe on the Prime Minister with an indication that learn: ‘Starmer is a foolish sausage’ – referencing an ungainly mishap throughout his speech about Gaza hostages.
Different Inflammatory indicators included messages that learn: ‘Hezbollah are usually not terrorists’ and ‘I really like Hezbollah’, as one attendee was additionally seen carrying a t-shirt evaluating Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler.
Indicators with inflammatory messages in assist of Hezbollah had been additionally noticed on the march. The Metropolitan police say they’re taking swift motion
One other placard seen on the protests learn: ‘Hezbollah are usually not terrorists’
One protester held a placard mocking Sir Keir Starmer after his fumble throughout his speech at a Labour convention the place he referred to as for ‘fast ceasefire’ in Gaza and ‘a return of the sausages’ when discussing the continued conflict between Israel and Hamas’
One other protester wears a Keir Starmer masks as hundreds collect in central London for the march
Law enforcement officials detain a demonstrator throughout a march to Downing Avenue to mark one yr of the Israeli operations within the Gaza Strip
Three law enforcement officials detain the demonstrated who’s masked with a pair of sun shades and a vibrant purple scarf
Onlookers movie and watch as officers and contributors conflict on the pro-Palestinian march
A police officer restrains a pro-Palestinian activists on the march the place hundreds are mentioned to be in attendance
A Professional-Palestinian demonstrator shouting slogans as they march as hundreds collect in central London fro the protest
Tens of hundreds of demonstrators are collaborating within the march, which set off simply after 1pm
Protesters collect for a ‘Cease The Warfare Coalition’ demonstration in opposition to Israeli strikes on Gaza and Lebanon on October 5
A protester chants by a megaphone as she makes her strategy to Whitehall on Saturday
Activists convened in Bedford Sq. on Saturday morning forward of a deliberate march to Russell Sq. amid a heavy police presence
A protester wears a ‘Free Palestine’ face masks as folks collect for a ‘Cease The Warfare Coalition’ demonstration in opposition to Israeli strikes on Gaza and Lebanon
Individuals took to social media to share their view on the anti-Semitic placards in London
Some protestors additionally waved placards saying ‘Zionism causes Polio’ and ‘they may examine this like we studied the Holocaust.’
The drive beforehand mentioned they had been conscious of indicators and placards being waved with messages supporting the prescribed Lebanese terrorist group, Hezbollah, on the protest.
Their assertion, which was printed on X (fomerly Twitter) learn: ‘We’re conscious of posts displaying folks holding placards with messages of assist for Hezbollah.
‘The pictures have been handed to officers, together with these monitoring our cameras. The crowds at present are vital in dimension and density.
‘What is straightforward to identify when strolling among the many crowd with a cell phone isn’t at all times straightforward for officers to see from the sting of the gang.
‘We’re working to find these concerned. Motion will probably be taken once we do, whether or not that’s at present or within the coming days.
‘We’d urge those that see these incidents and take photographs of them to additionally inform officers close by so we are able to intervene instantly.’
Taking to social media, many individuals had been livid that protestors had been capable of stroll the streets of London with all these indicators.
One particular person mentioned on X: ‘Within the UK your entire group of Hezbollah is listed as a terror group how is that this signal allowed on the streets of London.’
One other wrote: ‘@metpoliceuk you mentioned this was unlawful (Hezbollah indicators). Why haven’t you stopped and arrested them.’
A 3rd added: ‘@metpoliceuk this can be a signal of terrorism, Hezbollah is classed as a terrorist organisation, she wants arresting instantly.’
A fourth additionally mentioned: ‘Terrorist supporters had been in all places with vile placards supporting Hezbollah, Hamas and their management. Dozens of officers had been standing subsequent to ”protesters” with indicators praising the deaths of harmless Israeli civilians who died from missiles aimed toward their houses, and the @metpoliceuk officers did nothing.’
Activists convened in Bedford Sq. this morning for the deliberate march from Russell Sq. to Whitehall forward of occasions marking a yr since Hamas gunmen went throughout the Israeli border and killed 1,200 folks – among the many victims had been youngsters, the aged in addition to 364 attendees at Nova music pageant.
Law enforcement officials intervene amid clashes throughout an illustration in assist of Palestinians in Gaza
Law enforcement officials and protesters on the pro-Palestinian march in central London at present
A lady with an indication huddles ahead as police intervene in the course of the protests
Protestors collect in Russell Sq. earlier than the beginning of the demonstration in opposition to Israeli strikes on Gaza and Lebanon
Droves of protestors with pro-Palestine placards on the protest which convened at Bedford Sq. at present
A pair of contributors int he protest talking with megaphones and microphones
Protesters gathering on the march on October 5 holding a variety of free Palestine indicators
Protesters standing facet by facet with indicators that learn: ‘Genuine Rabbis at all times opposed Zionism’
Professional-Palestinian protesters starting their march by central London on Saturday
1000’s gathered by Holborn Station for the march by central London on Saturday
Met Police confirmed that two arrests had been made simply minutes after the march set off
Police have mentioned two folks had been arrested for assaulting an emergency employee, as they introduced a ‘vital’ presence at at present’s occasion
On the Labour Occasion convention final week, the PM seemingly fumbled his phrases when calling for an ‘fast ceasefire’ in Gaza and the ‘return of the sausages’ when discussing the continued conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The police had been compelled to intervene on a number of events to forestall clashes breaking out between pro-Palestinan marchers and a small group of counter-protestors.
Professional-Palestinian supporters had been seen chanting “ceasefire now”, “Palestine will probably be free” and “palms off Lebanon”, earlier than chanting “disgrace” to these counter-protestors waving Israeli flags.
The latest arrest noticed police take a person, who gave the impression to be a carrying a parachute, into custody.
He has been arrested on suspicion of carrying or displaying an article indicating assist for a proscribed organisation.
It comes after three ladies had been discovered responsible in February of a terror offence for displaying photos of paragliders at a pro-Palestine march every week after Hamas terrorists slaughtered 1,200 folks in Israel.
Heba Alhayek, 29, and Pauline Ankunda, 26, hooked up inventory photos of paragliders to their backs with tape, whereas Noimutu Olayinka Taiwo, 27, caught one to the deal with of a placard.
The trio displayed the pictures on October 14, 2023, simply seven days after militants from Hamas used paragliders to enter Israel from Gaza on October 7 earlier than randomly murdering civilians.
One pro-Palestinian protester was heard calling a black counter-protestor a ‘coconut’, a controversial time period which may generally be used as a racial slur.
The Met confirmed on X that that they had made 15 arrests, three of which had been for assaulting an emergency employee and one other three for racially aggravated public order offences.
Speeches have now ended and crowds have started to maneuver away from Whitehall.
Based on protest organisers, the plan is to ‘goal’ firms and establishments they are saying are ‘complicit in Israel’s crimes’, together with Barclays Financial institution and the British Museum.
The demonstrators blocked Tottenham Court docket Street by gathering exterior a Barclays financial institution simply after noon, with an indication held close to the doorway studying: ‘Disgrace on those that regarded away from the sadistic genocide of primarily youngsters in Gaza and the West Financial institution.’
A short time later they blocked Gower Avenue close to the British Museum and police appeared to kind a line to forestall the group assembly up with one other group of activists in Russell Sq..
They had been heard chanting: ‘Yemen, Yemen make us proud. Flip one other ship round’, and: ‘British Museum. Paint it purple. Over 100,000 lifeless’.
Professional-Palestinian activists and supporters wave flags and maintain placards as they cross by central London
A protester is armed with pamphlets calling for an finish to Britain supplying weapons to Israel
1000’s of protesters have gathered for the London march calling for a ceasefire
In Bedford Sq., protesters held Lebanese and Iranian flags and banners stating ‘we don’t stand with genocide’ and ‘Zionism is racism’, with many chanting ‘free, free Palestine’.
A protest chief advised activists: ‘We do not interact the police and do not interact counter-protesters. We undoubtedly do not discuss to the blue bibs.
‘We don’t discuss or work together with the police. If I’m arrested, no remark. If I’m arrested, no warning. If I’m arrested, no responsibility solicitor.
‘We’re safer once we are collectively. Solely we are able to maintain one another protected.’
This was adopted by chants of: ‘When Palestine is beneath assault. What can we do? Arise. Struggle again. When Lebanon is beneath assault. What can we do? Arise. Struggle again.’
Professional-Palestinian demonstrators are reportedly going to be stroll by the centre of Edinburgh this afternoon.
On Sunday afternoon, a memorial occasion will probably be held in Hyde Park, organised by the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the Jewish Management Council and different teams.
The drive mentioned it was unaware of any vital public occasions happening on Monday, the anniversary of the assaults.
Commander Lou Puddefoot, who’s main the operation, mentioned the drive had policed earlier protests ‘with out concern or favour’.
A lady wears a Palestinian flag and Keffiyeh throughout an illustration in assist of Gaza
A lady wears a Palestinian flag and Keffiyeh throughout an illustration in assist of Gaza
One demonstrator wears a watermelon costume in solidarity with Palestinians on Saturday
Professional-Palestinian demonstrators are collaborating in a nationwide march to mark the beginning of the conflict in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire within the Center East and an finish to Britain supplying arms to Israel
Based on organisers, the plan is to ‘goal’ firms and establishments they are saying are ‘complicit in Israel’s crimes’, together with Barclays Financial institution and the British Museum
Police have mentioned a ‘vital’ operation will probably be in place at present because the protest will get underway
‘Protests and associated occasions have develop into a characteristic of the 12 months for the reason that appalling terrorist assaults in Israel virtually a yr in the past,’ she mentioned.
‘We’ve got policed them with out concern or favour, guaranteeing that lawful protest has been allowed to happen however intervening the place the road has been crossed into criminality.
‘We recognise that as we go into this weekend, so near the anniversary of October 7, feelings will probably be heightened and fears about security and safety understandably elevated.
‘Officers have been in common contact with occasion organisers. We’ve got detailed plans in place to make sure the protection of these attending and to have the ability to reply to any incidents or offences.
‘We’re additionally working intently with key companions in communities to offer recommendation, reassurance and a visual presence notably in these areas the place we all know fears are heightened.
‘I’d urge anybody who sees or hears one thing suspicious, regardless of how small, to inform us. Name 101, or 999 in an emergency. In case you are at an occasion and there are officers there, please elevate your issues with them. They’re there to assist, to reassure and to maintain you protected.’
Amongst these in attendance at present was former Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf.
A protester holds a placard saying ‘Wished for conflict crimes’ and an image of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Protesters collect for a ‘Cease The Warfare Coalition’ demonstration in opposition to Israeli strikes on Gaza and Lebanon
Requested by Sky Information if his participation at present might be seen as anti-Israeli or ‘possibly anti-Semitic’, he mentioned: ‘I totally reject that cost.
‘It cheapens anti-Semitism by saying criticism of the Netanyahu authorities is by some means anti-Semitism, when there are Israelis who march in Tel Aviv – and there are a whole lot of hundreds who’re in opposition to the bloodbath happening in Gaza.
‘The assaults in Lebanon are being condemned by the United Nations – you are not attempting to inform me the United Nations is anti-Semitic?’
He added that the folks collaborating at present are ‘pro-humanity’.
A counter-protest, organised by Cease The Hate, gathered on the junction of the Strand and Trafalgar Sq., however police mentioned this was away from the pre-agreed counter protest space and too near the principle protest.
Met Police mentioned it could be transferring the protest again onto Trafalgar Sq. to forestall dysfunction.
A ‘vital’ policing operation is in place throughout London in response to deliberate protest and memorial occasions, the Metropolitan Police mentioned.
The newest marches come simply hours after a number one organiser declared there can be an ‘escalation’ if Israel continues to be granted ‘impunity’.
Ben Jamal, 61, director of the Palestine Solidarity Marketing campaign (PSC) added the marches had been a obligatory mechanism for ‘ending tyranny and oppression’, forward of at present’s protest in London, which marks the twentieth nationwide March for Palestine.
The PSC is a UK advocacy group that has been on the helm of organising pro-Palestine marches throughout the UK since October 14 2023, every week to the day after Hamas terrorists attacked Israel.
A bunch in London collaborating in even organised by Palestine Solidarity Marketing campaign in collaboration with different teams
Droves of marches waving their placards and Palestinian flags in central London at present
The occasion was organised by Cease the Warfare Coalition, the Palestine Solidarity Marketing campaign UK and Mates of Al Aqsa and others calling for a ceasefire in Gaza
Professional-Palestine marches will ‘escalate’ with better numbers on the streets of Britain if Israel continues to be granted ‘impunity’, a number one organiser has declared
Tens of hundreds of activists are anticipated to march by central London this afternoon
Professional Palestinian protesters marching the streets of London
Ben Jamal, director of the Palestine Solidarity Marketing campaign (PSC) mentioned the marches had been a obligatory mechanism for ‘ending tyranny and oppression’
Different organisations concerned within the marches embrace Cease the Warfare, Mates of Al-Aqsa, the Palestinian Discussion board in Britain, the Marketing campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and the Muslim Affiliation of Britain.
Of at present’s deliberate protest, Mr Jamal mentioned: ‘We did not anticipate marching for a yr – we’re in a sample of marching each three to 4 weeks, however we maintain that beneath evaluation and we’re aware within the present circumstances that will want to regulate.
‘We’ve got been saying as a motion from very early on, in case you proceed to grant Israel impunity, it will escalate – it is going to begin to assault its neighbours.
‘The place will that take us? In all probability that may convey extra folks to the streets who might have a deep concern about Palestinian rights, however will say really now I see the danger of a significant world conflict.
‘We should be out on the streets in even larger numbers to cease this carnage and cease Britain being drawn into it, as a result of that is the opposite threat – we’re already militarily engaged.’
He mentioned between 300,000 to 500,000 attended the marches between October and January, with round 80,000 to 100,000 on the earlier 4 – however he anticipates that quantity to rise for Saturday’s march.
On November 11 2023 – Armistice Day – shortly after then-home secretary Suella Braverman labelled the protests as ‘hate marches’, there have been considerably extra in attendance.
‘We estimated there have been a minimum of one million folks marching that day,’ he mentioned.
‘That made it one of many greatest political demonstrations in British political historical past.’
Mr Jamal added that protesters come from a large demographic, together with ‘numerous younger folks, lots of people with infants and youngsters in pushchairs and fairly just a few people who find themselves retired and have cared about this subject for a really, very very long time.’
Ben Jamal has referred to as for the UK authorities to impose sanctions and boycotts in opposition to Israel
He mentioned at each demonstration there was an organised Jewish Bloc for any members of the Jewish neighborhood who want to attend.
The protest organiser mentioned the protests had been an efficient strategy to ‘create a lever of stress’.
He mentioned: ‘Palestinians an the second, notably in Gaza, however throughout all of historic Palestine I’d say, really feel deserted by the worldwide neighborhood within the sense of 40,000 of (them) have been killed in Gaza and western powers don’t act, however once we march, (they) know it is seen.
‘I get messages from comrades in Palestine saying we see you and that is vital by way of folks’s skill to proceed to withstand, to proceed to really feel there’s a prospect of hope.
‘The second goal is it is a means of galvanising folks and I have been aware up to now 11 months of the variety of occasions folks have come as much as me… who say to me, with all of the horror I see and the despair of our complicity on this, that is the place the place there’s some sense of dwelling and neighborhood.
‘The third factor is you are attempting to create a lever of stress, they create a political stress level.’
Mr Jamal now not has any relations who dwell in Gaza, however mentioned he has been in touch with British-Palestinians and invited them to talk to MPs.
‘One had over 40 members of their household killed and so they got here to offer testimony to that and I do not understand how they had been surviving,’ he mentioned.
He added that he has a relative at present in Lebanon.
‘He is not in a spot in Beirut the place he is on the epicentre, however mentioned to me it is getting nearer and nearer,’ he mentioned.
‘He is gone up into the hills and is in search of how he will get out.’
Over the past yr, Mr Jamal has referred to as for the British authorities to impose sanctions and boycotts in opposition to Israel.
Counter protesters maintain up a banner directed at these collaborating within the Palestine Solidarity Marketing campaign final month
Professional-Palestine protesters marched on the Israeli embassy in London to demand a ceasefire within the conflict in Gaza final month
‘I do not know another mechanism for ending tyranny and oppression than the resistance of the oppressed folks and stress on the oppressor coming externally,’ he mentioned.
‘There isn’t any dynamic inside Israeli society that is going to alter this.’
Saturday’s protest march comes as a Jewish charity mentioned it was mounting its ‘largest ever’ safety operation together with police amid fears that Iranian-funded terror teams will goal British Jews on the primary anniversary of the October 7 assaults.
Israel’s Nationwide Safety Council warned that ‘efforts to hold out assaults in opposition to Israeli/Jewish targets overseas are anticipated to accentuate’ round October 7 — a date which additionally coincides with 4 of the holiest days within the Jewish calendar.
It comes amid file charges of anti-Semitism throughout Britain together with incidents of bodily assault, desecration to property and on-line abuse.
This week, the Group Safety Belief issued an intensive safety discover to British Jews warning of potential revenge assaults in opposition to the neighborhood following the assassination of Hezbollah chief Hasan Nasrallah.
They warned that ‘Hezbollah and Iran have an extended file of terrorist assaults in opposition to Diaspora Jewish communities’ and have urged congregations to maintain synagogue ‘gates and doorways closed’ and that folks ‘disperse rapidly’ as soon as non secular companies have completed.
Eight folks had been arrested in September when pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched by central London in protest to the continued Israel and Hamas battle.