Crowds have gathered in central London to “march in solidarity” with Palestine as Israel bears the brunt of horrific attacks at the merciless hands of Hamas terrorists.
The march has got underway, with Metropolitan Police officers insisting anyone who shows support for Hamas, or begins to detract from the route set-out, faces arrest.
The protest has attracted people of all ages, including children, who are armed with placcards which hold a very powerful message: “Stop bombing Gaza.”
Their chants can be heard from streets away, as the sheer number of people begin to swarm the capital’s roads.
The Israel-Hamas war has so far claimed the lives of at least 3,200 victims on both sides – one week after the first raids were launched.
Today’s activity, named March for Palestine, in London started at Portland Place at midday – with three hours of demonstrations expected before it draws to a close at Whitehall at around 3pm.
Met Police said a Section 12 Public Order Act 1986 had been authorised ahead of today’s movements – which had confirmed the route of the march.
In a statement it said: “This means those taking part, must observe the route from Portland Place to Regent’s Street, Piccadilly, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall.
“Any person participating in or associated with the Palestine Solidarity Campaign protest, must not deviate from this route, or they could be subjected to arrest.”
Another order, a Section 14 as part of the Public Order Act 1986 has already been imposed for an additional protest on Kensington High Street.
“The area in Kensington High Street will be clearly marked by barriers,” the statement added. “Any person assembling here or in the areas marked in order to participate in or associate with the London Palestine Protest or Palestine Solidarity Campaign may be subject to arrest.
“Officers will work hard to ensure that the right to peaceful protest is maintained.”
The protests pushing across central London are not the only action to have taken place in the capital today.
BBC’s headquarters at Portland Place were also daubed in red paint as part of an understood backlash to the corporation’s refusal to brand Hamas as terrorists.
This is despite Hamas being a proscribed terrorist organisation since 2021. Bosses at the BBC reportedly say they will not use the word terrorist due to its impartiality – allowing readers and viewers to “make up their own mind.”
But the decision has been met with fury from many people, with extra police today pictured outside Broadcasting House – where the red paint has remained at the front entrance.
Scenes in Israel
Today, children as young as two-years-old have been among the victims killed in Gaza during an airstrike on the evacuation route.
The Israeli government had issued a statement this morning urging people to flee from the north “if they care for themselves and their loved ones.”
