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Over 300,000 March in London Pro-Palestinian Protest Amid Police Warnings

Oct 5, 2024, 01:04 PM

Thousands of people have gathered in cities across the world, including London, Paris, Dublin, and New York City, to participate in pro-Palestinian demonstrations marking the first anniversary of Israel's assault on the Gaza Strip on October 7. In London, over 300,000 protesters marched from Russell Square to Whitehall, chanting slogans such as 'End the Genocide in Gaza' and 'Hands Off Lebanon,' and calling on the British government to stop arming Israel. The Metropolitan Police prepared a significant operation ahead of the planned protests, warning that anyone showing support for Hamas or Hezbollah would be arrested. Despite the warnings, some protesters made statements like 'Hamas are not terrorists' and 'Resistance is justified,' prompting police attention. Similar protests took place in Paris, where hundreds of students from Sciences Po University gathered, and in Dublin, where thousands demonstrated in the city center. In New York City, the NYPD announced it would be 'all hands on deck' in anticipation of protests, with Chief of Patrol John Chell stating the department is prepared to handle the events. The protests have been marked by concerns over potential support for Hamas and Hezbollah, with instances of confrontations between pro-Palestinian protesters and anti-Hamas demonstrators.