The protest was intended to put pressure on politicians to take a tougher stance towards Israel
ProPalestine protest in London
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LONDON, Jan 6 (Portal) ProPalestinian protesters blocked access outside the British Parliament in London on Saturday, demanding an immediate ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. There were clashes with the police, who prevented them from marching across Westminster Bridge.
Like other Western cities, London has seen regular and sometimes large demonstrations calling on Israel to stop bombing Gaza. The trigger was a surprise attack on October 7th by Hamas militants in which, according to Israeli authorities, more than 1,200 people were killed. Palestinian health authorities say Israeli bombings of Gaza have killed 22,722 people so far.
Videos posted on social media showed police blocking protesters' access to the bridge, and a Portal reporter said there were several small skirmishes. Lacking full access to the bridge where they planned to unfurl banners, protesters occupied surrounding streets.
Police said they had issued a legal order restricting the location of the protests and that people had started dispersing as early as 3 p.m. Anyone who refuses to follow the order to leave the country could be arrested, the police said.
CONTINUED AFTER RECOMMENDATIONS
Saturday's action was smaller than previous mass marches, but comes two days before Britain's Parliament resumes work after the Christmas recess. The protest was intended to put pressure on politicians to take a tougher stance towards Israel.
The UK has so far avoided calling for an immediate ceasefire, with Foreign Secretary David Cameron arguing such a deal could be untenable and worsen violence without a plan for longterm peace.
Most previous protests in London have been coordinated with police and have been largely peaceful, but police said organizers of Saturday's protests refused to provide details of their plans.