University students who held a march in London in solidarity with the Palestinian people encountered a pro-Israel group in Russell Square. Police intervened between the two groups and took security measures, while the march ended ahead of schedule.
Students from King's College, the London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London and the School of Oriental and African Studies took part in the march despite heavy rain. The students set out from King's College and proceeded toward University College London in Russell Square.
Demonstrators carrying Palestinian flags chanted, “End the genocide in Gaza” and “Leave the Palestinian people alone” throughout the march.
Groups meet in Russell Square
When the students reached the square, the pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel groups came face to face. As the groups chanted at each other, police intervened and moved between them.
Verbal tension arose between students who wanted to continue the march and the pro-Israel group. British police detained several people from the two groups.
The march was scheduled to finish at 2 p.m. local time, after which participants were expected to disperse. However, following the groups’ encounter and the resulting incidents, the event was ended at around 1 p.m.
Sacid’s allegations and statements
Sacid, who was among the pro-Palestinian demonstrators, said the march had been approved by the UK Home Office. Sacid claimed that some people had attacked, followed and harassed them during the march.
Sacid said that pro-Palestinian demonstrators had been holding marches in London for nearly three years. Sacid argued that the demonstrators had complied with the law and followed police instructions, and also claimed that the pro-Israel group had been waiting to attack them.
Police conditions ahead of the march
The Metropolitan Police set several conditions for participants before the march under the Public Order Act. Demonstrators were required to follow the announced route, finish the march at 2 p.m. and disperse at that time.
Police also warned that participants in the march must not wear face coverings that concealed their identities.
