There is a heavy police presence in central London as a pro-Palestine march and counter-protest are held in the midst of Christmas shopping and Winter Wonderland festivities.
Counter-protesters from Stop the Hate have gathered on Coventry Street near Piccadilly Circus, on the route of the PSC march, to urge the marchers to “stop supporting terror”.
According to PA, Pro-Palestine protesters and counter demonstrators hurled abuse at each other as they met at Coventry Street today (November 30).
The two groups were kept apart by metal barriers and a line of police officers.
The Metropolitan Police have warned that expressing support for Palestinian group Hamas and Lebanese militants Hezbollah is a criminal offence, because both are proscribed terror organisations.
Offences include chanting slogans, wearing clothing and displaying articles such as flags, signs or logos that express support for those groups.
Scotland Yard said they expect it to be one of the busiest shopping weekends before Christmas.
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is also being held nearby.
PSC speeches will take place in in Whitehall and the assembly must finish by 4.30pm.
The group, which has been at the forefront of organising pro-Palestine marches across the country, is demanding an end to “British complicity in Israel’s genocide and apartheid” of Gaza.
The demonstration follows the agreement on Tuesday night of a 60-day truce between Israel and Iran-backed militants Hezbollah to suspend hostilities, with both sides withdrawing from southern Lebanon.
Last week, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defence minister, and Hamas’s military chief, accusing them of crimes against humanity in connection with the war in Gaza.
The UK would respect the process set out under domestic legislation when it comes to the arrest warrant, Downing Street said.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel