Protests erupted throughout the capital, with demonstrators asserting that a temporary four-day ceasefire between Israel and Gaza is insufficient. This coincided with the release of thirteen Israeli hostages by Hamas.
Massive Turnout in Central London
Tens of thousands participated in a central London demonstration advocating for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
On Saturday, an estimated 45,000 demonstrators with banners and placards marched from Park Lane to Whitehall. Police distributed leaflets outlining offenses punishable by incarceration, resulting in eighteen arrests.
The Metropolitan Police arrested four individuals for distributing literature featuring a swastika within a Star of David.
At the start of the protest, authorities apprehended another person for suspected instigation of racial hatred.
Two additional individuals were arrested for wearing green headwear with white Arabic script resembling that used by Hamas.
At 5:00 p.m., a “breakaway group” ascended Whitehall, detained for detonating pyrotechnics directed at officers.
In line with dispersal orders, six individuals were arrested for violating Section 35 of the Public Order Act.
“Your path to wealth begins here – don’t wait, get your free Webull shares.”
Majority Lawful, Minority Violent
Ade Adelekan, deputy assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, acknowledged that most individuals “lawfully exercised their right to protest.” However, he stated a “small minority” believed they were exempt from the law.
The protests occurred amid a four-day ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.
Later, the IDF, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators announced Hamas had exchanged dozens of Palestinians held captive by Israel for the release of thirteen Israelis and four Thai hostages.
Hamas initially postponed the procedure, citing Israeli violations of the truce agreement concerning aid to northern Gaza.
The Met had announced a “robust intervention” with over 1,500 officers, including 500 from outside London.
Mr. Adelekan emphasized, “Those inciting hatred or allying with proscribed groups should be subject to arrest.”
Hundreds gathered at the Egyptian Embassy for a Hizb-ut-Tahrir demonstration. Two women were arrested for suspected ethnically inciting public order violations.
On Sunday, the Campaign Against Antisemitism organized a 90-minute march expected to draw 40,000 to 50,000 participants.
