LONDON: Thousands of pro-Palestine demonstrators marched through central London on Saturday, 10 October, calling for an end to Israeli military strikes in Gaza and urging the UK government to halt arms sales to Israel.
The march began near Victoria Embankment and moved through central London towards Westminster and Whitehall. Participants carried Palestinian flags and placards reading “Free Palestine” and “End the genocide”, while chants called for stronger action from British leaders.
The demonstration was organised by the Palestine Coalition, which includes groups such as the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Stop the War Coalition, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, the Muslim Association of Britain, Friends of Al-Aqsa and the Palestinian Forum in Britain.
Organisers said the turnout reached around 250,000, while advance police planning had anticipated a much smaller crowd. Attendance estimates have not been independently reconciled, so the figure should be treated as the organisers’ estimate rather than a confirmed count.
Protesters called for a full arms embargo on Israel, further diplomatic pressure and improved humanitarian access for Palestinians in Gaza. The march took place around the third anniversary of the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which triggered the war and was followed by a devastating Israeli military campaign in Gaza.
Police imposed conditions on the route and also managed a smaller counter-demonstration. News reports said arrests were made during the event; police restrictions included instructions concerning face coverings where officers believed they were being used deliberately to conceal identity.
The march was the latest in a series of demonstrations in Britain over the Gaza conflict. Supporters say the protests are intended to maintain public pressure for a ceasefire and changes to UK policy, while the debate over demonstrations has also raised concerns about public order, antisemitism and the safety of Jewish communities.
Sources: ITV News; The Guardian; The Independent.
