Metropolitan Police officers made multiple arrests during a heated pro-Palestine demonstration outside the Israeli Embassy in London on Saturday, as tensions continue to flare over the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
The protest, organised by the activist group Palestine Action, saw approximately 100 participants gather in the affluent Kensington area, where the embassy is located. Metropolitan Police confirmed that four individuals were taken into custody for public order offences during the event.
Confrontation in Kensington
Demonstrators assembled near the embassy building, waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans in solidarity with Gaza. The protest remained largely peaceful throughout the afternoon, though police maintained a significant presence to monitor the situation.
According to eyewitness accounts, tensions escalated when a small group of protesters attempted to breach police cordons surrounding the embassy perimeter. This led to intervention by officers and the subsequent arrests.
Police Statement
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson stated: "We can confirm four arrests were made during a protest in Kensington on Saturday afternoon. All individuals were detained on suspicion of public order offences and have been taken into custody at central London police stations."
The police emphasised their commitment to "balancing the right to protest with ensuring public safety and security around diplomatic premises."
Growing Tensions
The demonstration comes amid heightened tensions in London regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. Previous protests have drawn thousands of participants across the capital, with police occasionally intervening to maintain order.
Palestine Action, the group behind Saturday's rally, has gained attention for its direct action tactics targeting organisations it claims are complicit in Israeli military operations. The group stated the protest was intended to "show solidarity with Palestinian resistance" against what they described as "occupation and genocide."
All four arrested individuals remain in police custody while investigations continue. The Israeli Embassy has not issued any public statement regarding Saturday's events.
