This morning, a dramatic scene unfolded in central London as hundreds of pro-Palestine demonstrators blocked access to the Foreign Office.
The protest, organized by Workers for a Free Palestine, aimed to pressure the UK government into halting arms exports to Israel.
The protestors, some masked and wielding provocative signs and flags, confronted the police, leading to nine arrests.
The protest quickly escalated into chaos.
Images from the scene show activists being dragged along the ground by officers after refusing to disperse.
One particularly intense moment captured an officer grappling with a masked protester, while others tried to contain the situation.
The scene was further inflamed when a protester wearing a niqab set off a red smoke grenade amidst the clamor of chants demanding that the UK “stop arming Israel.”
Calls for Action Against Arms Exports
Activists are pushing Foreign Secretary David Lammy and the Labour government to suspend weapon sales to Israel.
They argue that the UK should not support Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza, which have intensified recently with Israeli forces pushing deeper into Khan Younis.
This military escalation has led to significant civilian displacement and casualties.
Government Response and Criticism
The Met Police intervened around 8:30 AM to clear the blockade, enforcing Public Order Act conditions to restore access to the Foreign Office.
Despite this, some protesters remained in the area, monitored by police to prevent further disruptions.
The protest highlights ongoing frustration with the Labour government’s stance on arms exports, particularly as calls grow for transparency regarding legal advice on the matter.
Labour’s Stance on Arms Exports
The protestors also criticized the Labour government for not publishing legal advice on whether UK arms exports to Israel breach international law.
During their opposition period, Labour had pushed for such transparency, but campaigners argue that the current administration has not met its own standards.
The Labour government has only partially reversed its stance by restoring funding to the Palestinian relief agency Unrwa, but critics say this is not enough given the escalating crisis in Gaza.
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