Thousands of Pro-Palestinian protesters chant ‘Israel is a terrorist state’ as they march by central London whereas police look on
Thousands of Pro-Palestine protesters have begun marching in central London ahead of a rally in Whitehall.
The demonstrators, many of whom were carrying Palestine flags, chanted ‘From the sea to the river, Palestine will live forever’ and ‘Israel is a terrorist state’ as they set off from Green Park.
Protesters carried signs that said ‘Starmer has blood on his hands’ and ‘Stop starving Gaza’, while some voiced disdain against the Defence Secretary saying: ‘John Healey you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide’.
Other protesters have also set off green and red fireworks as they walked down Piccadilly in central London.
The demonstration, organised by the Palestine Coalition, began at around 12.45pm as crowds made their from Hyde Park Corner to Downing Street.
The Met Police has imposed restrictions on the protest, ordering people to begin leaving the area at 5pm.
Today’s rally is being held to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, a UN organised observance taking place annually on November 29 since 1978.
It also coincides with what is expected to be a ‘very busy’ day for tourists in central London, with thousands of visitors expected to descend on the capital to make the most of Black Friday sales and the festive entertainment.
A protester waves a Palestinian flag during a march organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign in central London on Saturday
People hold placards as they participate in a Pro-Palestine rally in central London
Protesters wave Palestinian flags on Whitehall during a march organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign
Thousands of Pro-Palestine protesters march in central London ahead of a rally in Whitehall
People hold placards and wave Palestinian flags as they participate in a rally in support of the Palestinian people
Police officers in central London, as people take part in the National Demonstration for Palestine
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dr Alison Heydari is leading the policing operation this weekend.
She said: ‘Ahead of the weekend we have been in discussion with the Palestine Coalition, as well as partners, residents, businesses, faith and community groups who we know continue to be impacted by protests.
‘We expect this weekend to be very busy with people shopping during the Black Friday sales, and visiting the capital, including Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.
‘We have worked with organisers to seek to minimise disruption and balance the right to protest.
‘Officers will be visible along the protest route and around the wider area to ensure the events take place safely.’
