Today, hundreds of pro-Palestine activists staged a dramatic protest outside the Foreign Office, disrupting access for workers.
The demonstration, which took place early this morning, saw police making nine arrests as tensions escalated.
Members of Workers for a Free Palestine led the blockade at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) headquarters, carrying banners, flags, and placards demanding that the UK halt arms exports to Israel.
The protest quickly turned chaotic, with dramatic scenes unfolding on the streets.
Images from the scene show activists being pulled along by police officers after reportedly ignoring commands to disperse.
In one photo, an officer is seen grappling with a masked protester, while another shows a protester in a niqab igniting a red smoke grenade amid the commotion.
A large banner calling for the UK to stop arming Israel was a focal point of the demonstration, with chants echoing through the crowd.
Government and Legal Pressures
The activists are calling on Foreign Secretary David Lammy and the Labour government to suspend arms sales to Israel.
The Foreign Office workers were reportedly blocked from entering their building in central London during the protest.
The Met Police intervened, imposing Public Order Act conditions to clear the area and making nine arrests to restore access.
Police are continuing to monitor the situation to prevent further disruptions.
Context of the Conflict
This protest coincides with ongoing violence in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s forces have intensified their assault on Gaza, particularly in the Khan Younis area, with reports of extensive bombing and a large number of Palestinians fleeing their homes.
Israel’s military operations are aimed at dismantling Hamas’s capabilities, but they have also led to widespread civilian suffering.
Labour’s Stance and Criticism
The protest highlights pressure on the Labour government to align its actions with its previous opposition stance.
Activists are demanding that Lammy publish the legal advice on UK arms exports to Israel, claiming that if Israel is found to be violating international law, arms sales should be stopped immediately.
Labour has yet to provide clarity on whether the legal advice will be released, with some accusing the government of inaction as the crisis in Gaza continues.
For now, the situation remains tense with the government facing mounting pressure from both the protestors and international observers.
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