London: Dozens arrested during counter-protests against pro-Palestine rally

Over 100,000 supporters of Palestine marched through the heart of London on Saturday, and as police worked to prevent violence between the demonstrators and anti-rally groups, they made over 80 arrests. On Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of World War One, which involves remembering Britain’s war dead, the pro-Palestinian march attracted counter-protesters from far-right groups. The largest-ever march in support of the Palestinian people and a call for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip was called off by ministers, who cited Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as disrespectful for holding the rally on Armistice Day. Skirmishes between counter-protesters and police occurred in Westminster, close to the Houses of Parliament, and near the Cenotaph war memorial, according to police, who reported that “significant numbers” of them were present in central London. Police cars raced throughout the city in response to reports of unrest in the streets, and some of the right-wing protestors hurled bottles at the law enforcement personnel. Later, the London Metropolitan Police announced that it had arrested 82 counter-protesters in an effort to maintain order after far-right organisations attempted to approach the pro-Palestinian demonstration. For additional offences, ten more people were arrested. There was a “very large” turnout for the pro-Palestinian rally, according to the police, and there haven’t been any incidents since. They declared that the two groups would not be able to meet. “We will use all the powers and tactics available to us to prevent that from happening,” the police said in a statement. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators were heard chanting “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” as they gathered at the starting point. Many Jews consider this rallying cry to be antisemitic and a call for the eradication of Israel. Others marched along the route of the march, which was scheduled to conclude at the U.S. Embassy, holding banners that read “Free Palestine,” “Stop the Massacre,” and “Stop Bombing Gaza.” Many citizens and Western governments, including Britain’s, have expressed strong support and sympathy for Israel following Hamas’s attack in southern Israel on October 7. However, the Israeli military response has also incited anger, leading to weekly demonstrations calling for a ceasefire in London. (With agency inputs)