Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators have taken to the streets of central London against the backdrop of the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas.
More than 1,000 officers have been deployed by the Metropolitan Police for the march, as the force warned anyone showing support for Hamas, which is a designated terror organisation in the UK, faced arrest.
Flares in the Palestinian colours of red, green and black were set off early on the route, while chants of “Free, free Palestine” could be heard as people carrying flags and placards made their way through the centre of the capital.
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As the demonstrators approached Downing Street, there were shouts from the crowd of “Rishi Sunak, shame on you” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”.
Rallies were also being held in Manchester and Edinburgh and other parts of the UK.
The Met said certain areas of London would be covered by a legal power, which would require a person to remove items such as scarves and masks that might be used to conceal their identity.
Section 12 of the Public Order Act is also in force covering the demonstration route, which finishes in Whitehall.
This allows senior officers to impose conditions on processions, which are deemed necessary to prevent serious public disorder, serious criminal damage or serious disruption.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has also ensured additional staff are available on call this weekend to provide charging advice to police if needed.
Ahead of the rally on Saturday afternoon, protesters gathered outside the BBC’s headquarters, which had earlier been vandalised with red paint thrown at the building.
The broadcaster has faced criticism from senior Conservatives in recent days for maintaining its editorial stance not to describe Hamas militants as terrorists.
But Scotland Yard said the incident had so far not been linked to any protest group.
The protest comes as Palestinians continue their mass exodus from northern Gaza after Israel’s military told them to evacuate ahead of an expected ground invasion.
The enclave has been besieged and subjected to sustained airstrikes following last weekend’s deadly surprise assault on Israel by Hamas insurgents.
The conflict has so far claimed more than 3,200 lives on both sides.
Read more:
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‘Nobody has anywhere to go’
While there has been strong support and sympathy for Israel over the Hamas attacks, the country’s response and its impact on civilians has also sparked anger.
Among those taking part in the London protest was Narimane Hourier, who said the actions of Hamas were “appalling”, but added: “Do not punish all the Gazan people.”
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Katy Colley, who is Jewish and travelled from Hastings for the march, told Sky News: “Palestinians have been screaming for decades. No one has listened.”
Meanwhile, Saira Ahmad argued there “should be an immediate ceasefire”.
She said: “[Gazans are] already living in the worst conditions as it is, and now are being made to flee.
“The warnings don’t help. Nobody has anywhere to go.
“It’s inhumane.”
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A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service said: “We have been working closely with the police ahead of planned protests in relation to recent events in the Middle East.
“The CPS will have additional staff on call this weekend who will provide round-the-clock charging advice if requested by the police.
“Individuals have the right to lawful protest but if any behaviour goes beyond that into an offence which meets our legal test, we will not hesitate to authorise criminal charges.”
