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Protests Across UK Mark 100 Days of Israel-Hamas War

Aaliah Patel
Two activists raise Palestinian flags in front of London's Savoy Hotel.

Aaliah Patel

Protests have taken place in London, Dublin and Edinburgh as the Israel-Hamas war surpasses 100 days. 

Over the weekend of 13th and 14th January, thousands of pro-Israel and pro-Palestine protestors attended rallies across the UK, as part of a global day of action across 30 different countries.

For many protestors, new action has been stirred in light of recent UK and US airstrikes against Houthi rebel bases in Yemen.

At a pro-Israel rally in London, thousands called for the release of some 132 hostages still being held, while the Telegraph reported pro-Palestinian demonstrators chanting support for Houthi rebel attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes.

In Tel-Aviv, Israel, commemorations were held for those killed in the conflict, as well as those still held hostage in Gaza by Hamas.

Arrests Made In London and Edinburgh

Over 1,700 police officers were deployed in London to oversee the protests.

As the march moved through central London to Westminster, nine arrests were made.

Three people were arrested on suspicion of showing support for a proscribed organisation, while another three were arrested for inciting racial hatred related to “offensive” placards and chanting.

Four men were arrested in Westminster on suspicion of terrorism offences, though were later released on bail until late March.

https://twitter.com/metpoliceuk/status/1746942400935743965

Dominic Murphy, head of the Met Counter Terrorism Command, said: “The vast majority of people attending protests are doing so peacefully.

“There are consequences for those who are not and where officers see people supporting proscribed organisations we will take action, as we did this weekend.”

At a protest in Edinburgh, an arrest was made after a car collided with protesters. A 70-year-old woman was charged with a driving offence. While minor injuries were reported, none needed medical attention.

How Have MPs Reacted To The Protests?

In response to protests, senior MP and chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee, Sir Julian Lewis, stated that the organisers of protests opposing the Israel-Hamas war should “foot the bill” for the number of demonstrations that have taken over London since the 7th October attacks.

While speaking in the House of Commons, the New Forest East MP said: “How many times must a demonstration on the same cause be repeated week in week out, before the well-funded organisers become liable to pay for at least part of the policing costs?”

In response, Home Secretary James Cleverly, said: “There is legitimacy to public protests… but repeating it does not strengthen their arguments.”

Attending a pro-Israel rally in central London, former Home Secretary Suella Braverman told Sky News: “I’ve come today to show solidarity with Israel and with those people who are still held captive by Hamas.

“We need to get them out, they need to be brought home and we need to stand with Israel continually throughout this bitter, and cruel, and evil conflict.”

In the past, Braverman has come under fire for criticising the Met Police’s handling of protestors.

What Now?

Those calling for a ceasefire remain dissatisfied with global administrations and the handling of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

In December, the United Nations Security Council urged for more aid to be brought to the Gaza strip, but fell short of calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 20,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the beginning of the conflict.

This week, the latest deal brokered between Israel and Hamas will allow aid and medicine into Gaza, including for the Israeli hostages that Hamas continue to hold.

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Featured image courtesy of Alisdare Hickson via Flickr. No changes were made to this image. Image licence can be found here.

Politics & Current Affairs writer

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