300,000 join pro-Palestinian rally in London, counter-protesters arrested

A massive pro-Palestinian rally drew some 300,000 to London on Saturday after police arrested several counter-protesters for trying to approach the demonstrators, CNN reported.

Protesters chanted “free, free Palestine” and “ceasefire now” at Hyde Park Corner in central London, amid a conspicuous police presence.

“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” another chant sounded from the huge crowd of demonstrators, according to CNN.

A representative of London’s Metropolitan Police told CNN that the protest, which took place on Armistice Day – Veterans Day in the US – was expected to draw 300,000 spectators.

According to police, 82 counter-protesters were arrested “to prevent a disturbance of the peace”.

As the event got underway, they claimed they “faced aggression from counter-protesters” who invaded the area “in significant numbers,” CNN reported.

A protester who supported Palestine expressed her shock to CNN at the “hypocrisy” of people who support Ukraine but not Palestine.

“Some politicians may be on our side, but they are too afraid to speak out,” the protester added.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Saturday that all crime must be fought with the full and swift force of the law.

Sunak called the incident “unacceptable” and condemned the violence. The fear and intimidation felt by the Jewish community this weekend was deplorable.

“I condemn the violent, completely unacceptable scenes we saw today from the EDL and associated groups and Hamas sympathizers who attended the National March for Palestine. “The despicable actions of a minority of people undermine those who have chosen to express their views peacefully,” the spokesperson said. an official message from 10 Downing Street, quoting the Prime Minister.

He added that the ‘remembrance weekend’ is a time for the community to remember those who fought for the nation.

The statement quoted Sunak as saying: “It is a time for us to come together as a nation and remember those who fought and died for our freedoms. What we have seen today does not defend the honor of our armed forces, but fully respects them. .