Violence Erupts at London Pro-Palestine March

Violence flared between pro-Palestine protesters and police on Saturday as thousands marched through central London. The demonstration, organized by the Palestine Coalition, coincided with the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks.

As the march proceeded, many participants carried Palestinian flags and banners. Tensions escalated when police moved in to make arrests on Victoria Embankment, leading to scuffles with officers. The Metropolitan Police had imposed conditions on the march and a counter-protest to minimize disruption, anticipating between 7,000 and 10,000 demonstrators. Protesters were warned that they could face arrest if they refused to remove face masks.

Around 2 p.m., officers began detaining individuals. Protesters surrounded police who had detained at least two individuals, chanting "let them go." Abuse was directed at officers, who drew batons to push the crowd back. One protester, when asked why he was arrested, responded, "I punched him in the face."

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Carl Galvin stated that the proximity of the event to the anniversary of the attacks on Israel meant it had the potential for a greater impact on communities. He emphasized that officers would use powers under the Public Order Act to require individuals in the protest area wearing face coverings to remove them if their intention was to hide their identity, intimidate, or commit offenses. The police have the authority to arrest those who refuse to comply.

The Metropolitan Police set specific routes and times for the march, with rallies concluding by 6:30 p.m. and speeches and music by 5:30 p.m.

A counter-protest organized by Stop The Hate was also held outside New Scotland Yard, with conditions imposed to ensure it concluded by 2:30 p.m. The Palestine Coalition includes groups such as the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Stop the War, and Muslim Association of Britain.

A similar National March for Palestine was also anticipated in Edinburgh.