Thousands of protesters gathered in central London on Sunday to demonstrate in support of Palestine, resulting in several arrests. The event began on the Victoria Embankment, where many participants wore keffiyehs and carried Palestinian flags. The crowd then marched to Whitehall for a rally.

Simultaneously, a smaller counter-protest organized by the group Stop The Hate took place outside New Scotland Yard, attracting around 30 individuals. As the pro-Palestine march passed the counter-demonstrators, the latter group chanted slogans such as “Shame on you,” although their voices were largely overshadowed by the larger contingent. Police maintained a separation between the two groups using metal barriers and officers to prevent direct confrontation.

According to the Metropolitan Police, approximately 20 people were arrested during the course of the demonstration. Among those detained were a man and a woman found with placards supporting Palestine Action, an organization currently proscribed by authorities. Of the arrests, six were made for criminal damage after some protesters climbed onto the Battle of Britain memorial at Victoria Embankment, which also led to minor clashes with law enforcement. Additional arrests included two individuals who refused police instructions to remove face coverings and two others connected to the display of materials endorsing the proscribed group.

Despite these incidents, police described the protest as largely peaceful. Officers managed to contain tensions and prevent the situation from escalating amid the presence of both supporters and counter-protesters in close proximity. The demonstration reflects ongoing public expressions of solidarity with Palestine amid broader geopolitical debates.