London station taken over as hundreds stage sit-in demanding Gaza ceasefire

Pro-Palestinian activists have staged a sit-in protest at London's Liverpool Street station to demand an immediate ceasefire to Israel's attacks on Gaza.

More than 500 people joined the protest at around 5.30pm on Tuesday, which also called for an end to arms exports to Israel. Palestinian music and chants such as "ceasefire now" could be heard from the crowds at the sit-in, which was organised by direct action group Sisters Uncut.

Members from other activist groups including the Palestinian Youth Movement and International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network also spoke at the demonstration. A spokeswoman for Network Rail confirmed that the protest ended just after 7pm, and the station remained open throughout.

In a statement, British Transport Police said it attended the station "following reports of a protest on the station concourse." A force spokesperson added: "Officers worked to safely disperse the crowd and ensure passengers could access the station.

Transport police look on as activists stage a mass sit down protest (Getty Images)

"Following the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza, British Transport Police will be conducting high-visibility patrols at stations across the network to reassure and protect communities. If you see or experience hate crime or any other threatening behaviour, please report it to us so we can take action.

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"Anyone wishing to make a report related to the protest at Liverpool Street can text 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40 with reference 324 of 31 October 2023." It comes after more than 200 people staged another sit-in on the concourse at London Waterloo station on Saturday. Meanwhile, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer resisted pressure from within his own party to call for a ceasefire in the conflict earlier today.

Activists stage a mass sit down protest in Liverpool Street station (Getty Images)

He instead urged both parties to agree to a humanitarian pause to allow aid in and people out of the war zone. Bishops of the Church of England have also stopped short of calling for an immediate ceasefire, instead urging "immediate humanitarian pauses that will enable the wounded and the most vulnerable to be evacuated". In a statement, they said they were "holding out hope for a ceasefire in the longer term".

It comes as the Prime Minister used a phone call with Benjamin Netanyahu to push for an increase in the flow of aid into Gaza, as well as the importance of Israel "taking all possible measures to minimise civilian casualties". Downing Street said the pair "discussed the situation in the West Bank and the long-term goal of a two-state solution.

"The Prime Minister noted the importance of all sides avoiding actions that would inflame tensions and keeping hope alive for a more secure and prosperous future for both Israelis and Palestinians." He also held a call with President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas.