Thousands gather for pro-Palestine march in London as Met police warn Hamas supporters face arrest

The gathering comes as Palestinians have begun fleeing from northern Gaza after Israel's military told them to evacuate.

The UN has condemned the mass exodus as chiefs share deep concern about the impact of Israeli action on civilians.

WATCH NOW: Katherine Forster live from the pro-Palestine protest

The Metropolitan police has deployed more than 1,000 officers across London and warned that anyone showing support for Hamas or deviating from the route could face arrest.

The force also announced it had introduced powers which requires the removal of any items which conceal their identity, such as balaclavas and face masks, until 10pm across the protest route and its surrounding areas.

Last weekend attacks on Israel by Hamas killed at least 1,300 people - mostly civilians.

At least 2,200 people have been killed in Gaza as Israeli forces retaliate.

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It comes after the BBC headquarters, which is located close to the start of the protest, was sprayed with red paint amid its refusal to call Hamas "terrorists".

Thousands of Palestinians have now fled the north of the Gaza Strip after a 24 hour evacuation order issued by The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) expired.

Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Israel "will destroy Hamas" as tanks are sent to Gaza ahead of an imminent full-scale invasion.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the UK was doing “everything we can to ensure the security of British citizens” after the Defence Secretary said it seemed “very likely” that there are British hostages in Gaza.

Belal Stitan, a 22 year-old student, said he was fearful for his relatives in Gaza.

"No one in Gaza is OK. My family are all in Gaza and none of them are OK," he said.

"This situation is a big, big problem for humanity and for me to have to say to the world, remember that we are human beings ..., I can't believe that we are here."