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On Saturday, a large number of demonstrators gathered in London to protest against the ongoing violence in Gaza. This was part of a worldwide day of action denouncing Israel’s invasion.
Significant protests also occurred in Dublin and Edinburgh, resulting in the arrest and charge of a 70-year-old woman after a vehicle collided with a small group of demonstrators.
Over 1,700 police officers were present during the march in central London leading to Westminster. Nine individuals were apprehended in the city.
Out of these, three individuals were taken into custody for allegedly expressing support for a banned group, and three were detained for encouraging racial animosity in relation to carrying an offensive sign and chanting.
Two more individuals were taken into custody for committing public order offenses with racial motivation, and a ninth person was arrested for possessing stickers intended for criminal vandalism.
Demonstrators were cautioned that they would be subject to police measures if they deliberately exceeded the boundaries of acceptable slogans and posters, resulting in several detentions during previous protests.
After conducting numerous airstrikes against Houthi bases in Yemen, the UK and US proceeded with a demonstration.
The rebel group supported by Iran has continuously attacked commercial ships in the Red Sea following Israel’s conflict with Hamas, which began after the 7 October incident.
The demonstrators displayed signs with messages such as “Stop the fighting immediately” and “Lift the blockade”. A few were captured on video appearing to support Yemen’s Houthi rebels, chanting “Yemen, Yemen, make us proud, divert another ship.”
According to the police, there were several requirements for the march. Protesters were not permitted to stray from the designated route and speeches were required to end at a specific time.
The Home Secretary, James Cleverly, stated that he was informed by the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, about strategies to maintain order and security during the demonstration.
The Member of Parliament stated that they support utilizing authority to handle the demonstration and suppress any illegal activities.
The Palestinian ambassador to the UK, Husam Zomlot, accused the British government of being “complicit” with Israel while speaking at Parliament Square.
Mr Zomlot stated to the demonstrators that Palestine is a country filled with brave individuals fighting for freedom. He expressed, “I am facing you with a heavy heart, but my determination remains unbroken.”
He offered his congratulations to South Africa for initiating a genocide case against Israel at the United Nations’ International Court of Justice.
The seventh annual Palestinian march will include the presence of Little Amal, a large puppet representing a Syrian refugee child. Little Amal will join a group of Palestinian children in the march.
In July 2021, the 3.5-meter puppet traveled 8,000km from the border of Turkey and Syria to Manchester, becoming a global representation of human rights.
The London protest was one of many being held in European cities, such as Paris, Rome, and Milan. Thousands of people also marched through the main street of Dublin to demonstrate against Israel’s military actions in the Palestinian territory.
A 70-year-old woman was taken into custody and accused of a driving violation during the protest in Edinburgh. Her car collided with demonstrators, but fortunately, no one was injured.
Pictures circulating on social media depicted a black Seat Leon encircled by demonstrators and law enforcement officials at The Mound in the downtown area on Saturday afternoon.
A large protest in Dublin made its way to the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, with thousands of participants. Protesters brandishing Palestinian flags chanted for the Irish government to back boycotts, divestment, and sanctions against Israel.
The organizers also requested that the Irish government back South Africa’s argument against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Opposition parties in Ireland, such as Sinn Fein, Labour, and the Social Democrats, are urging the government to support South Africa’s actions.
The Irish prime minister, Leo Varadkar, stated that the government does not plan on becoming involved in the case.
The rally was organized by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign and was held as a part of an international effort to call for an end to Israel’s operations in Gaza.
There were also protests taking place worldwide, including in Johannesburg, South Africa, Jakarta, Indonesia, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Source: independent.co.uk