Groups of protesters clashed in London as a pro-Palestine demonstration marched near Russell Square on the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel. The two sides exchanged abuse, with pro-Palestinian demonstrators being described as ‘Jew Haters’ and ‘scum’. The Palestinian activists accused Jews of genocide.
A pro-Israel attendee said: ‘Today of all days you protest. It’s October 7; you are disgusting. Shame on you all.’ One demonstrator has already been handcuffed. Others are continuing the march, chanting: ‘Palestine will live forever.’ Another said: ‘We are witnessing a genocide; we have to speak up. We are peaceful; we come in peace.’
Counter-protests and chants
Metro is live from the demonstration, where counter-protesters held Israeli flags and placards that read: ‘Stop the Gaza geno-LIE.’ Shouts of ‘scumbags’, directed at the pro-Palestine protesters, could be heard. Pro-Israeli supporters chanted: ‘Terrorist supporters off our streets.’ Some Israeli supporters were seen mocking the Palestinian marchers and laughing as they chanted.
There were clashes between the groups. Some activists masked up, which is against the rules of the march laid down by the police.
Police response and context
Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman said the date would be one of ‘mourning and reflection’ for many people in London and acknowledged concerns within Jewish communities. ‘This will be a day of mourning and reflection for many in London, and we know the serious concerns that this event has caused Jewish communities in particular,’ he said. ‘We have imposed stringent conditions on those taking part in this march. These will help us manage the event and minimise serious disruption. Anyone who breaches these conditions or commits offences should be under no illusion they will face arrest.’
It has been three years since thousands of Hamas-led militants poured into southern Israel after a surprise barrage of rockets. They stormed army bases, farming communities and an outdoor music festival, murdering 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, including women, children and older adults. They abducted 251 others.
Global protests and impact
Hundreds of pro-Palestine protests are planned across the world today against the targeted murder of an estimated 74,000 Palestinians – most of them civilians, women and children. Last year, Wael al-Dahdouh, Al Jazeera’s Gaza Bureau Chief, told Metro of the ongoing harm to Palestinians: ‘The only thing that’s really changed is that the large-scale killings have decreased, but they have not stopped.’
