Nine arrests and officer hospitalised as thousands call for ceasefire - updates

Met confirm nine arrests made during London protest

The Met Police tweeted that it has made nine arrests today in London with the last of the protesters apparently now heading home.

The force said: "The last of the protestors who had gathered at Marble Arch have dispersed.

"Today we have made 9 arrests: 7 for Public Order offences 2 for assaults on officers A number of the Public Order arrests are being treated as hate crimes."

The last of the protestors who had gathered at Marble Arch have dispersed.

Today we have made 9 arrests:

7 for Public Order offences
2 for assaults on officers

A number of the Public Order arrests are being treated as hate crimes. pic.twitter.com/CHtj67rTUe

— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) October 28, 2023

Turkey's president appears to threaten to intervene in Gaza

Turkey's president appears to have threatened to intervene in Gaza in an impassioned speech at a pro-Palestine rally this evening.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke on Saturday afternoon telling attendees Israel was responsible for war crimes, and framed Hamas as "freedom fighters".

In comments that have prompted Israeli outcry, and led the country to withdraw its diplomatic presence, president Erdogan suggested assaults on Gaza constituted a "massacre".

In the same speech, he said that Turkey can "come at any night unexpectedly”. His words were met with an ecstatic reception from hundreds of thousands of attendees.

The footage, which was shown on X, formerly known as Twitter, showed the pro-Palestine crowd respond with the chant: “Turkish military to Gaza.”

Erdogan speaking to HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS at the “Great Palestine Rally” in Istanbul today:

“We can come at any night unexpectedly”

In response, hundreds of thousands of Turks start chanting: “TURKISH MILITARY TO GAZA!”pic.twitter.com/CKkfdPQGaU

Woman falls to death from 60ft-high flat window putting up Christmas decorations — Jackson Hinkle (@jacksonhinklle) October 28, 2023

Injured police officer pictured for first time

A police officer injured during pro-Palestine protests has been pictured in hospital.

The unnamed officer is understood to have been struck in the head by a missile thrown by demonstrators in central London.

A suspect was arrested in relation to the incident.

The Met Police tweeted: "Our Deputy Commissioner Dame Lynne Owens has been to see our injured colleague in person at hospital.

"He has a laceration to the head, but is in good spirits & appreciates all of your well wishes. He will remain in hospital for treatment & is being looked after by colleagues."

Our Deputy Commissioner Dame Lynne Owens has been to see our injured colleague in person at hospital.

He has a laceration to the head, but is in good spirits & appreciates all of your well wishes.

He will remain in hospital for treatment & is being looked after by colleagues. pic.twitter.com/WI6T6LDXYc

— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) October 28, 2023

Protests held in multiple countries

Pro-Palestine demonstrations have been held across several countries including Turkey, Germany, Italy and Spain today.

Protesters have been calling for an immediate ceasefire after more than 7,000 Palestinians were killed in the Gaza Strip over the past three weeks.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told a mass pro-Palestinian rally in Istanbul that his country was making preparations to proclaim Israel a “war criminal” for its actions in Gaza.

Protesters in Glasgow chant 'from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free"'

In George Square in the centre of Glasgow protesters gathered for a demonstration hosted by the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign, as well as other pro-Palestine pressure groups.

Chants of "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" were heard and various keynote speakers gave their thoughts on the ongoing crisis.

Alison Thewliss, SNP MP for Glasgow Central, gave an impassioned speech to onlookers, stating the conflict is not in the name of the people of Glasgow.

She said: "I want you to know that I have never had so many emails as I've had over these past two weeks.

"People in Glasgow demanding a ceasefire, people in Glasgow demanding the end to this awful, awful, appalling situation - the deaths of babies and children and mothers who just happened to be in the wrong place as missiles rained down upon them."

Also speaking was Ivan McKee, SNP MSP for Glasgow Provan.

The MSP told protesters: "I don't need to tell you what we're seeing on our TV screens, hearing on the radio and reading about in our newspapers - the absolute humanitarian crisis that's unfolding in Gaza, and it's getting worse.

"No food, no water, no medicine, no electricity, now no communications, hospitals being bombed - absolutely shocking, unacceptable."

It was one of many protests across Scotland, with other demonstrations held at the same time in Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen, Greenock, Forres and Stirling.

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf, whose parents-in-law are trapped in Gaza, tweeted: "Millions across the world have taken to the streets - in Scotland, the UK, USA, in Tel Aviv - and many more countries across the world demanding peace.

"They are the conscience of our world, I hope they are heard and humanity prevails.

"Blessed are the peacemakers."

WW1 commander statue defaced with words 'God Save Gaza'

The statue of First World War commander Field Marshal Douglas Haig has been defaced with the words "God Save Gaza" in a pro-Palestinian protest in central London.

Around 100,000 demonstrators took to the streets demanding a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war from noon on Saturday.

Graffiti was daubed on the Field Marshal Earl Haig Memorial, on Whitehall, using red paint.

According to Historic England, it is a Grade II-listed statue.

Haig, who died in 1928, was commander of the British forces at the Somme and Ypres during the First World War, and his role has made him one of the most controversial military figures of the last century.

He eventually won a battle of attrition against Germany on the Western Front.

But he became a much-maligned historical figure for his controversial strategies which led to excessive casualties of British troops under his command.

He founded the Royal British Legion Scotland and the Earl Haig Fund - now known as Poppyscotland - in 1921.

Earl Haig’s statue today pic.twitter.com/T0fNyAhQ8K

— Dead Ferrets (@Deadferrets) October 28, 2023

Diane Abbott speaks at protest

MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, Diane Abbott, told the crowds at the pro-Palestine rally: “Israeli bombers have killed 3,000 Palestinian children in the last three weeks. Is that self defence?”

Other speakers include ex Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and General Secretary of the RMT Mick Lynch.

“Israeli bombers have killed 3000 Palestinian children in the last 3 weeks. Is that self defence?”@HackneyAbbott at our rally for Palestine today #CeasefireNOW pic.twitter.com/uJpFhxu0dg

— PSC (@PSCupdates) October 28, 2023

Hundreds gather at rallies in Belfast and Dublin

Hundreds have gathered at rallies in Belfast and Dublin.

Demonstrations in support of Palestine were also planned in counties across the island of Ireland on Saturday including in Cork, Limerick, Armagh, Clare and Sligo.

The rally in Dublin marched up O'Connell Street towards the GPO, and in Belfast protesters marched on Royal Avenue before gathering to listen to speakers at City Hall.

Crowds chanted "Free Palestine" and "stop Gaza genocide", with some carrying signs reading "it's ethnic cleansing not conflict" and "end Israeli apartheid".

Some at the rally in Dublin carried bundles of white fabric stained red to signify children killed in Israeli air strikes.

Speakers at the pro-Palestine rally in Belfast included a number of representatives from the Muslim community in Northern Ireland.

Dr Hani Mahdi from Gaza called on those in attendance to "remember the people of Gaza". He said he had lost 30 family members in Gaza and called out to the crowd: "Where is the humanity?"

A number of local politicians spoke at the rally in Belfast including Sinn Fein MLA Declan Kearney, SDLP councillor Paul Doherty, People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll, and Green Party councillor Anthony Flynn.

Video shows Met officers restraining suspect

A 20-second clip shows three Met police officers restraining a suspect during the protest in London as people surrounded the dramatic incident while screaming in shock.

When asked if the video was connected to the arrest, a spokesperson for the force said: "The arrest was on Whitehall so this appears to be the same incident."

An officer was taken to hospital after being assaulted.

Dramatic footage of the earlier arrest. Apparently a PC was struck with a megaphone and went down then the suspect was tackled and arrested. pic.twitter.com/nEjV9zCi8f

— Chris Hobbs (@obbsie) October 28, 2023

Protesters set off flares as they climb Lloyd George statue

Protestors, with their faces covered and dressed in all black, were also captured climbing the Lloyd George statue on Parliament Square while setting off ruby red flares.

AGAIN! Protestors with faces covered, climb Lloyd George statue on Parliament Square…set off flares. Police watch them climb down, no admonishment, no proper warning and simply let them go on their way @metpoliceuk #israel #palestine pic.twitter.com/aWKwnxf6mQ

— Inc.Monocle (@IncMonocle) October 28, 2023

Second arrest made in London protest

Met Police have made a second arrest in London amid the protests after a man was heard shouting "racist remarks" in Waterloo Station.

The man was arrested on suspicion "of a racially aggravated public order offence and making threats to kill".

Officers policing the protest arrested a man in Waterloo Road just after 1.30pm

He was heard to shout racist remarks and was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and making threats to kill.

He remains in custody.

— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) October 28, 2023

Cleverly's word of caution as reports suggest Iran is attempting to heighten tensions

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has given a word of caution for those joining demonstrations in the UK in support of Palestine on Saturday.

Police were expecting about 100,000 people to join a demonstration in London demanding a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, with other rallies organised elsewhere in the UK including in Manchester and Glasgow.

The Times reported that counter-terrorism officers have privately said Iran is attempting to heighten tensions at rallies over Israel's bombing of Gaza and were warning of increased hostile-state activity in Britain.

The newspaper said Iranian activity included a campaign of online disinformation and Tehran operatives being physically present at protests.

Iran is reportedly backing Hamas in Gaza and Lebanon's Hezbollah, another Islamist political and militant group agitating against Israel.

Asked about suggestions that Iran could be attempting to create unrest in the UK, Mr Cleverly said there had "often been attempts to subvert the actions of other people".

Protesters on Westminster Bridge

Protesters on Westminster Bridge as they marched from Embankment to Whitehall displaying flags of Palestine.

The march on Westminster Bridge (Guy Bell/REX/Shutterstock)

​Video shows crowds of protesters in London today

MASSIVE pro-Palestine protest in London right now! pic.twitter.com/PGtOABFDhp

— Jackson Hinkle (@jacksonhinklle) October 28, 2023

Police declare stop and search powers

Police have declared stop and search powers in parts of central London in response to the demonstration.

The Metropolitan Police said Section 60 and Section 60 AA powers would be applied in the London boroughs of the City of Westminster and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

A Section 60 authority means officers will be able to stop and search people, while a Section 60 AA requires a person to remove items that might be used to conceal their identity, such as masks.

Officer taken to hospital after assault

A police officer has been taken to hospital after being assaulted.

Their condition is not yet known, the Met added.

The force said on social media, just after 3pm one person had been arrested in Whitehall for assaulting an officer.

One arrest made after officer assaulted, say Met

One person has been arrested after a police officer was assaulted during a pro-Palestine demonstration in central London, the Metropolitan Police said.

The force said the officer was being taken to hospital following the incident on Whitehall.

It was not immediately whether the person arrested was taking part in the protest or a counter demonstration.

Around 100,000 people are thought to be on streets of the capital demanding a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.

Police Officers clash with rival supporters as protesters walk past the Cenotaph (PA)

Scuffles broke out near Downing Street as cans and bottles thrown

Scuffles broke out near Downing Street among pro-Palestine protesters and an apparent right-wing group.

Cans and bottles were thrown before police escorted the group of around 12 people, which included two women in mobility scooters, out of the crowd.

A legal observer at the protest told this newspaper the group was from right wing organisation Turning Point.

The group were escorted by police out of Whitehall to Trafalger Square, where they left the area without further incident.

Separately, event organisers are claiming half a million people attended today’s protest. However that is well above police estimates of 100,000 people.

Police detain a man following scuffles between rival supporters (PA)

Corbyn addresses pro-Palestine protesters

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has addressed pro-Palestine protesters in London.

Speaking on a stage in Parliament Square, he said: "The world's nations voted at the United Nations last night in the General Assembly by an overwhelming majority to demand a ceasefire.

"It's not much to ask, a ceasefire, when children are being killed by weapons coming through the rooms of their homes.

"It is in eternal stain that the British Government abstained on that vote."

Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn during the pro-Palestine march (PA)

More than 1,000 officers on duty for demonstration

More than 1,000 Metropolitan Police officers are on duty for the demonstration, the force announced on X, formerly Twitter.

The Met said it expected large crowds around Embankment, Westminster and Waterloo Bridges, the Strand, Whitehall and nearby roads.

It warned the force would be vigilant in responding to crime.

"There is absolutely no place in London for hate crime," the Met said on X.

"Officers will respond to any criminality where they see it and take decisive action, but there may be things not seen in the moment.

"We'll also be reviewing CCTV and images/video shared by the public to identify offences."

Several conditions have been imposed under the Public Order Act, including that protesters should follow a specified route and should not gather in a specified area outside the Israeli Embassy.

Pro Palestine protestors clash with police on Whitehall (Ben Cawthra/LNP)

Protester arrested on Whitehall

A Pro Palestine protestor being detained by police in handcuffs on Whitehall (Ben Cawthra/LNP)

Woman knocked over by startled police horse

A woman was knocked over by a police horse during the protests in London after the animal was startled by fireworks but appeared to be fine when she was brought back to her feet.

Demonstrators have gathered with banners and posters and let off fireworks and red and green flares. Some are chanting "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free", despite controversy around the slogan's meaning.

Protesters let off smoke canisters as they walk over Westminster Bridge (AFP via Getty Images)

Protesters with Union flags stand by Cenotaph chanting 'shame on you'

Dozens of people with Union flags stood close to the Cenotaph which was guarded by police officers as a pro-Palestine protest filed past.

Protesters could be heard chanting "shame on you" as they crowded around the people.

Police Officers with a rival demonstration as protesters walk past the Cenotaph (PA)

Bristol city centre expected to come to a standstill tomorrow

Thousands of people are expected to bring Bristol city centre to a standstill tomorrow as the biggest protest rally will be taking place.

The demonstration could see more than 5,000 march from Easton to College Green through the city centre demanding a ceasefire and for Israel to stop its military action in Gaza.

Police have said their aim is for the demonstration to pass peacefully. The police chief in charge of the event said they are working closely with organisers, and will even have representatives from both the Jewish and Muslim communities inside the police’s command suite where senior officers co-ordinate the police operation.