At least 15 arrests made as tens of thousands pro-Palestine protesters take over central London
Protests took place in central London
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At least 15 arrests have been made as tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in central London.
The protests come ahead of the anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel on Monday.
Two people have been arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker, the Metropolitan Police said, as part of a “significant” policing operation in place across the capital in response to planned protest and memorial events.
The force said the arrests were made when people tried to get past officers who had formed a cordon to stop any groups breaking away from the main protest.
Protests took place in central London
Reuters
Thousands have taken to the streets
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Protesters in Central London
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Three people were arrested after a small group broke away from the main protest and tried to approach behind the counter demonstration at Aldwych.
Activists convened in Bedford Square amid a heavy police presence where some were holding Lebanese and Iranian flags and banners stating "we do not stand with genocide" and "Zionism is racism", with many chanting "free, free Palestine."
A protest leader told activists: "We don’t engage the police and don’t engage counter-protesters. We definitely don’t talk to the blue bibs. We do not talk or interact with the police. If I am arrested, no comment. If I am arrested, no caution. If I am arrested, no duty solicitor. We are safer when we are together. Only we can keep each other safe."
This was followed by chants of: "When Palestine is under attack. What do we do? Stand up. Fight back. When Lebanon is under attack. What do we do? Stand up. Fight back."
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Counter protesters are also present
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A protester holds a placard during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, ahead of the October 7 attack anniversary
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Pro-Palestinian activists and supporters wave flags and hold placards as they pass through central London
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Commander Lou Puddefoot, who is leading the operation, said the force had policed previous protests “without fear or favour...Protests and related events have become a feature of the 12 months since the appalling terrorist attacks in Israel almost a year ago."
She said: "We have policed them without fear or favour, ensuring that lawful protest has been allowed to take place but intervening where the line has been crossed into criminality.
"We recognise that as we go into this weekend, so close to the anniversary of October 7, emotions will be heightened and fears about safety and security understandably increased.
"Officers have been in regular contact with event organisers. We have detailed plans in place to ensure the safety of those attending and to be able to respond to any incidents or offences.
"We are also working closely with key partners in communities to provide advice, reassurance and a visible presence particularly in those areas where we know fears are heightened.
"I would urge anyone who sees or hears something suspicious, no matter how small, to tell us. Call 101, or 999 in an emergency.
"If you are at an event and there are officers there, please raise your concerns with them. They are there to help, to reassure and to keep you safe."
Protesters take part in a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, ahead of the October 7 attack anniversary, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, in London
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The marches are taking place ahead of the one year anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli estimates.
At least 41,825 Palestinians have been killed and 96,910 wounded in Israel's military offensive on Gaza since October 7, the enclave's health authorities said earlier today.