Palestine protesters drape flag over steps of Cenotaph and spray graffiti on road

The pair of protesters, from Youth Demand, also wrote “180,000 killed” in spray paint on the ground.

Youth Demand’s protest comes amid concern activists could look to disrupt the State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday over the “atrocities unfolding in Gaza”.

A statement from Youth Demand added: “Young people will not stand by as long as governments are supporting genocide. We deserve better.

“Young people all over the country are coming together to resist.

“Youth Demand is taking action in Central London from July 13 to July 20.”

One of the protesters said: “At the end of World War Two, this country looked at the bodies and promised we would never allow these kinds of atrocities to happen again.

“This monument reminds us of those who gave their lives fighting a genocide, and that ‘never again’ means never again for anyone.

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“Labour is disrespecting this legacy by being complicit in genocide and allowing arms to be sold to Israel.”

However, Foreign Secretary David Lammy used his trip to Israel to call for an immediate ceasefire.

Lammy said: “This war must end now, with an immediate ceasefire, complied with by both sides.

“The fighting has got to stop, the hostages still cruelly detained by Hamas terrorists need to be released immediately and aid must be allowed in to reach the people of Gaza without restrictions.”

Labour had faced criticism for its immediate response to Hamas' October 7 attack against Israel.

The decision resulted in a number of high-profile Labour figures losing their seats, including ex-Shadow Culture Secretary Thangam Debbonaire.

In a statement regarding today’s protest, the Metropolitan Police said: “These two women were quickly arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and are in custody.

“Everyone has the right to protest lawfully, but where that crosses into criminality we will take action.”

Pro-Palestine protesters sparked outrage earlier late last year after demonstrators descended on London on the same day as Armistice Day.

Responding to the November protest, Sir Keir Starmer said: “Remembrance events must be respected. Full stop.”