Mass Arrests in London Protests

Police in London detained more than 360 individuals during a large-scale protest against a recent ban on supporting a pro-Palestinian group. The demonstration, which took place on Saturday, saw over 500 protesters gather outside the Houses of Parliament. Many participants openly defied the new law by displaying signs that read, “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action,” prompting police intervention.

Background on the Ban

The U.K. Parliament enacted the ban last month following an incident where members of the group broke into a Royal Air Force base and vandalized aircraft. The legislation equates public support for Palestine Action with endorsing terrorism, making it illegal. This move has sparked significant debate, with critics arguing that it infringes on freedom of speech.

Protesters Challenge New Legislation

The protest was organized by Defend Our Juries, aiming to highlight the impracticality of enforcing the new law. According to the organizers, only a fraction of those allegedly committing offenses were arrested, with many receiving street bail and being allowed to return home. This situation has been described as an embarrassment for the government, further questioning the credibility of the controversial law.

Escalation in Israel-Hamas Conflict

The protest coincided with a significant development in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Israel’s security cabinet approved a plan to occupy Gaza City, marking an escalation in their ongoing war against Hamas. The plan includes disarming Hamas, returning hostages, and establishing an alternative civil administration in Gaza.

Government’s Stance on Security

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the necessity of taking control of Gaza to ensure security and remove Hamas. The decision reflects a decisive majority within Israel’s Security Cabinet, which believes that alternative plans would not achieve their objectives.