London: Police arrested at least 18 people on Saturday during a pro-Palestinian march in central London for various offences, media reports said.
Tens of thousands of participants gathered in the demonstration demanding a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. Agitators can be heard chanting Allahu Akbar, in videos of the protest, reported media
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Tensions rise at Pro-Palestine march in London pic.twitter.com/fOwaMhJDt2
The World Monitor (@tworldmonitor) November 25, 2023
One man was arrested by the Metropolitan Police on suspicion of inciting racial hatred for carrying a placard with Nazi symbols. Four others were taken into custody for distributing materials that included a swastika inside a Star of David, according to media reports.
? Tens of Thousands March in London Pro-Palestine Demo Police Watch On with Video Cameras pic.twitter.com/Owa8ZnxtlQ
Su D. (@DSu64713331) November 25, 2023
Deputy Assistant Police Commissioner Ade Adelekan said the authorities will not tolerate anyone who revels on or promotes acts of terrorism or anyone who spreads hate speech.
The reports said, a group of Jewish women also joined the march to condemn crimes committed by Hamas, including rapes and killings.
Many Jewish people in London are leaving the city during weekends to steer clear of pro-Palestinian demonstrations and marches, where some protestors have displayed anti-Semitic signs, according to a Bloomberg report.
Members of the Muslim community are also at unease over concerns of potential attacks while traveling public transport, it added.
The report said the total count of hate crimes reported to London police in October rose by almost 46% compared to the corresponding month in the previous year, as per information from groups in both communities.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, currently in its seventh week, has shaken both Muslim and Jewish communities in London, where they have coexisted for generations.
