Over 30,000 pro-Palestinian protesters march in London, draw counter-protests

More than 300,000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched through central London on Saturday, drawing counter protests from far-right groups.

Police arrested nearly 100 people from the far-right faction of protesters to stop them from disrupting the main rally. The protest, a part of the “National March for Palestine”, was held on Armistice Day, which marks the anniversary of Britain’s war death commemorations. It was the latest in a series of protests expressing solidarity with Palestinians and calling for a ceasefire from Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza Strip.

Despite ministerial calls for cancellation due to Armistice Day, the event proceeded, as reported by Reuters.

According to the police, a “significant number” of far-right groups engaged in skirmishes with police near the Cenotaph war memorial, close to the Houses of Parliament and in Westminster.

Police in riot gear worked to control far-right demonstrators, with some protesters hurling bottles at the officers. Meanwhile, police vehicles raced through the city in response to reports of heightened tensions on the streets.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Scotland’s first minister, Humza Yousaf, criticised Interior Minister Suella Braverman, attributing the far-right’s actions to her earlier remarks accusing the police of favouring “pro-Palestinian mobs.”

Taking to social media, Khan said, “The scenes of disorder we witnessed by the far-right at the Cenotaph are a direct result of the Home Secretary’s words.”

According to the police, the pro-Palestinian rally had a “very large” turnout and there had been no incidents related to it so far. They also said they would not allow the two groups to meet.

“We will use all the powers and tactics available to us to prevent that from happening,” the police added.