London’s Metropolitan Police arrested 466 people during a demonstration on Saturday against the UK government’s decision to outlaw the activist group Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws. The group was banned in July after some members stormed a Royal Air Force base and damaged aircraft as part of protests accusing Britain of complicity in Israeli “war crimes” in Gaza.
Protesters, many draped in Palestinian keffiyehs and waving flags, chanted “Hands off Gaza” and held signs reading “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” Videos showed police dragging demonstrators away from Parliament Square as the crowd shouted “Shame on you!” at officers.
The Met Police stated that all 466 arrests were for supporting a proscribed organization, while eight others were detained for offenses including assaulting officers. No serious injuries were reported. Membership in Palestine Action now carries a maximum 14-year prison sentence, though the group’s co-founder, Huda Ammori, recently secured permission to legally challenge the ban.
The protest comes amid heightened tensions over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which has drawn genocide accusations at the International Court of Justice. Israel denies the claims, calling its offensive self-defense following Hamas’ October 2023 attack. The UK’s crackdown on Palestine Action reflects growing government efforts to curb direct-action protests linked to the Gaza conflict.