Over 100 arrested at chaotic London pro-Palestinian protest

Hundreds of thousands of pro-Palestinian supporters marched through London calling for a ceasefire in Israel’s war in Gaza on Saturday, in the city’s biggest march to date.

Hordes of counter protesters also turned out to protest the Palestinian march, which was held on Armistice Day – a day Britain remembers its war dead with solemn ceremonies at war memorials.

The march went ahead after a week of tensions, which saw the government call for it to be scrapped, and police said they made scores of arrests.

Some 150 people from the mass protest were detained under public order legislation for wearing face coverings and setting off fireworks, while 82 counter protesters were held to prevent them infiltrating the main march.

Cops seized a hoard of weapons from counter protesters including knives and a knuckleduster.

About 1850 police officers, including some from other forces across Britain, had been drafted in to keep the peace.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said, “This operation took place in unique circumstances, against a backdrop of conflict in the Middle East, on Armistice Day and following a week of intense debate about protest and policing. These all combined to increase community tensions.”

He added the “extreme violence” from counter protesters was “extraordinary and deeply concerning”.

“They arrived early, stating they were there to protect monuments, but some were already intoxicated, aggressive and clearly looking for confrontation,” continued the Assistant Commissioner.

“Abuse was directed at officers protecting the Cenotaph, including chants of ‘you’re not English any more’.”

He said nine officers were injured on Saturday, two of whom required hospital treatment with a fractured elbow and a suspected dislocated hip.

Chaotic footage as protesters clash with police

The march set off after a two-minute silence was observed at The Cenotaph war memorial in central London.

Protesters waved black, red, white and green Palestinian flags and held aloft placards proclaiming “Stop Bombing Gaza”.

Fireworks were thrown at police, with some being struck in the face, around the Westminster area including parliament Square and Whitehall.

Footage shared on X shows protesters setting off “rocket fireworks” on streets leading to Victoria.

Clashes between counter-protesters and pro-Palestine protesters also emerged at London’s Trafalgar Square.

Disturbing photographs also showed one female counter-protester trying to kick a pro-Palestine marcher while another man walked towards them with a large wooden stick.

Most people part of the counterdemonstration did not resort to violence and stopped to mark the silence at 11am, according to The Sun.

The founder and former leader of the far -right EDL, Tommy Robinson, was seen among the crowds of counter protesters.

Chaotic footage shared online also shows protests screaming and clashing with police, with some being held to the ground.

“It’s getting ugly,” a video editor at The Telegraph captioned a clip on X.

Bottles were seen being thrown at cops during isolated scuffles.

Government minister mobbed

Footage showed UK’s Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, being mobbed by pro-Palestinian supporters carrying placards and flags as he walked through Victoria station.

Protesters shouted “shame on you” as Mr Gove made his way through the swarm of people escorted by police.

Police can be seen moving people away and shouting “get back”.

Mr Gove’s former wife, Sarah Vine, told The Daily Mail Mr Gove is “fine” but the incident could have been worse if police didn’t spring into action.

“He remained very calm, which is typical of him. Most people would have been terrified.”

UK PM condemns ‘unacceptable’ scenes

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned far-right protesters and Hamas sympathisers.

“I condemn the violent, wholly unacceptable scenes we have seen today from the EDL (English Defence League) and associated groups and Hamas sympathisers attending the ‘National March for Palestine’,” he said in a statement.

“The despicable actions of a minority of people undermine those who have chosen to express their views peacefully.”

Mr Sunak, who has resisted calls for him to back a ceasefire in Israel’s war with Hamas, said far-right “thugs”, anti-Semitic chants and pro-Hamas signs and clothing had marred remembrance weekend.

“All criminality must be met with the full force of the law,” he added.

There were other pro-Palestinian rallies elsewhere in Europe, with several thousands turning out in Paris and more than 20,000 in Brussels.