Thousands March in London Demanding UK Halt Arms to Israel
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched in central London, calling for the UK to stop arming Israel and impose sanctions. Police were on high alert, with strict rules against face coverings. A separate diplomatic crisis saw Israel close the British consulate in Jerusalem and expel diplomats, though a temporary compromise was reached allowing a reduced mission to operate.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched in central London demanding the UK stop arming Israel.
- Police implemented strict measures, including immediate arrests for face coverings, due to potential clashes.
- A counter-protest by "Stop The Hate" was held outside Scotland Yard, with police separating groups.
- Israel closed the British consulate in Jerusalem and expelled diplomats over UK sanctions.
- A temporary compromise allowed a reduced British diplomatic team to continue operating in Jerusalem.
Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators filled central London on Saturday, marking three years since the outbreak of the war in Gaza and the Hamas attack on Israel. Protesters gathered near the Thames and marched towards Whitehall, calling on the UK government to immediately cease arms shipments to Israel and impose sanctions.
London police were on high alert, deploying significant reinforcements due to fears of public disorder and violent clashes. Special powers were invoked under the Public Order Act, with a strict warning that anyone refusing to remove face coverings would be immediately arrested. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Karl Gallvin acknowledged the heightened sensitivity surrounding the event, given its proximity to the anniversary of the October 7th attacks.
The march followed a pre-approved route with strict time limits for speeches and events. Simultaneously, a counter-protest organized by "Stop The Hate" was held outside Scotland Yard, with a heavy police presence separating the groups to prevent physical confrontations. A similar pro-Palestinian demonstration also took place in Edinburgh.
Separately, a diplomatic crisis between Israel and the UK over sanctions escalated, with Israel closing the British consulate in Jerusalem and expelling its consul general and 20 other diplomats. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated this was a response to sanctions imposed by the British Labour government. However, intensive negotiations, including a visit by British National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell, led to a temporary compromise. Israel downgraded the consulate's official status but allowed a reduced team of seven diplomats to operate. Both sides agreed to maintain direct communication, and London stated the mission would continue to provide essential services to Palestinians under the name "British Mission, Jerusalem."
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