Police make 82 arrests in London as counterprotesters disrupt pro-Palestinian rally

On a Saturday in London, British police detained 82 individuals who were protesting against a pro-Palestinian demonstration. The march coincided with Armistice Day, a day of remembrance for fallen soldiers in the UK. The march began after a moment of silence at The Cenotaph, a war memorial. An estimated 300,000 participants carried Palestinian flags and signs demanding an end to the violence in Gaza. Some attendees expressed their commitment to the cause, stating they would continue to protest until a ceasefire is achieved. Others highlighted the injustice faced by Palestinians and the need for a two-state solution.

The London police had previously made arrests at similar events, including for supporting Hamas, which is labeled a terrorist organization in the UK. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for peaceful conduct from protesters. To avoid disturbances at significant memorials, the march route was altered, and barriers were erected to create an exclusion zone. During a remembrance ceremony, minor clashes occurred as counterprotesters attempted to disrupt the event. The police anticipated confrontations and were prepared to use force if necessary. A large number of officers were deployed to maintain order during the weekend's events.

Tensions between the government and the Metropolitan Police arose over the handling of the march, with some officials seeking to ban it. Home Secretary Suella Braverman criticized the police for perceived biases, while the Prime Minister held the police commissioner accountable for allowing the march. Despite the controversy, the march proceeded without a government order to stop it. Solidarity with Palestinians was also seen in Brussels, where 21,000 people rallied, and in Paris, where demonstrators, including politicians, marched for a ceasefire in Gaza.