Metropolitan Police arrested at least 38 demonstrators after a large protest demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza turned tense in central London on Saturday. Organized by various pro-Palestinian and anti-war groups, thousands flocked to Trafalgar Square and Whitehall where anti-Israel military operations and British government policies drew strong chants during the day’s events.
According to a statement released by the Metropolitan Police, arrests were primarily for public order offenses including obstruction of roadways, refusal to disperse, and assaulting officers. A minority of protesters attempted to breach security barriers outside Downing Street resulting in rapid response by riot officers.
“We respect the right to peaceful protest, but violence and disruption will not be accepted,” according to Commander Karen Findlay who oversaw Saturday’s operation. She went on to say that their officers acted to keep everyone safe.
Eyewitness footage shared via social media shows several demonstrators being forcibly removed and handcuffed, leading activists to allege excessive force was used against them. One video shows a woman being forcibly pulled off the steps of the National Gallery causing outrage among protesters; civil liberties groups have since demanded an independent inquiry into police conduct during this event.
Layla Hassan, a university student who participated in the protest, stated: “This rally was meant to be peaceful; people came with signs and flowers to show support; however, arrests were completely unnecessary and meant only to suppress dissent.”
Protesters in London were outraged over Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s failure to put sufficient pressure on Israel over its military campaign against Gaza, which Palestinian officials estimate has resulted in over 58,000 deaths since October 2024. Meanwhile, Britain believes Israel’s right to self-defence should be balanced with “proportionality and humanitarian access”.
Labour Party Leader Angela Rayner condemned both sides’ violent responses but criticised their lack of urgency in calling for a ceasefire. In a televised interview on Sunday she stated, “The public demands moral clarity,” noting “We cannot remain neutral when faced with mass civilian suffering.”
Saturday’s demonstration was part of an international day of action, with similar rallies taking place in Paris, Berlin, Toronto and Washington D.C. Additionally, organizers have announced additional protests scheduled in the coming weeks including a national student walkout scheduled for next Friday.
As tensions escalate, human rights advocates continue to urge British authorities to uphold the right of peaceful protest and ensure accountability for any misuse of force. The Independent Office for Police Conduct stated it had received multiple complaints regarding Saturday’s arrests as well as video submissions related to them.