Eco-warriors from Just Stop Oil and pro-Palestine protesters have joined forces to block the entrance of the British Museum.
The British Museum refused to accept new patrons this afternoon as protesters targeted the historic building at around 2.15pm.
Energy Embargo for Palestine planned to hold a sit-in at the main courtyard in protest against the British Museum's sponsporship with British Petroleum.
Hundreds of protesters gathered at the tourist hotspot, with the Metropolitan Police advising to temporarily close entrances to new visitors while the protest is happening.
A general view of the British Museum
PA
Visitors who were already at the Museum before 3pm are able to continue their visit and leave when they wish to.
A banner held by a number of activists said: "Sponsored by BP = sponsored by colonial genocide."
There were also Palestinian flags on display, with demonstrators shouting "shut down BP" and "if you partner with BP, we'll shut you down."
Despite the disruption, British Museum is hoping to re-open its doors later this afternoon.
Energy Embargo for Palestine sent a briefing note to protesters urging them to descend on the British Museum.
It said: "'We are returning to the British Museum to take action against their new 10-year contract with mega-conglomerate British Petroleum, which was granted licences for gas exploration off the coast of Gaza by the Zionist entity on October 30.
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Protesters held banners outside the British Museum
"We will be occupying the main courtyard and have teach-outs/speeches.
"We are aiming to occupy the space for at least 2.5 hours, preferably longer, as staying past closing time will provide an extra element of disruption.
"Our action is in response to the call issued by the Palestinian-led Global Energy Embargo for Palestine to disrupt the energy flow to Israel and pressure institutions to cut ties with energy companies that own and invest in Israeli oil and gas reserves."
It added: "Wear masks throughout the action, you may choose to not wear a mask when going through security but it is compulsory to wear a mask during the action itself!
"If you need the toilet aim to go before 2.30pm. If you need the toilet during the action speak to a member of the welfare team, they will be identifiable with a taped cross on their backpack.
"When the action starts please follow directions given to you. We will stage a sit-in in the courtyard. We will sit in two semi-circle rows around the large banner in the centre."
The Metropolitan Police and British Museum were aware of the planned protest ahead of today.
Energy Embargo for Palestine also targeted the British Museum on February 11.
After confirming the British Museum was extending its partnership with British Petroleum, a spokesperson said: "The British Museum respects other people’s right to express their views and allows peaceful protest onsite at the Museum as long as there is no risk to the collection, staff or visitors."
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