UK PM urges restraint as hundreds rally in Trafalgar Square; 50,000 march in Barcelona against Gaza war.
London police arrested dozens of demonstrators on Saturday during a rally supporting Palestine Action, a group the UK government designated as a terrorist organization in July. The ban followed a series of violent protests linked to the war in Gaza, and public support for the group is now a criminal offense.
Hundreds gathered in Trafalgar Square despite warnings from authorities not to protest so soon after this week’s attack on a Manchester synagogue, which occurred on Yom Kippur. Police detained protesters displaying Palestine Action banners and signs, prompting some bystanders to shout “shame on you” at officers as arrests were made.
Prime Minister **Keir Starmer** appealed for calm ahead of the weekend, writing on X (formerly Twitter):
“I urge anyone thinking of protesting this weekend to recognize the grief of British Jews and respect it. This is a time of mourning, not a time to inflame tensions or cause more pain. We must stand together.”
The Metropolitan Police said the demonstration diverted officers who were also needed to reinforce security around synagogues and mosques following the Manchester attack.
Organizers, including the group Defend Our Juries, condemned the violence in Manchester but refused to cancel the protest. They argued that authorities should focus on protecting religious communities rather than silencing political dissent.
The London rally came just days after six activists were arrested for displaying a Palestine Action banner on Westminster Bridge outside Parliament.
Meanwhile, in Barcelona, around 50,000 people took to the streets in a mass show of solidarity with Palestinians, accusing Israel of committing “genocide in Gaza.” Protesters carried banners and unfurled a massive Palestinian flag as they marched through the city. Photo by indigonolan, Wikimedia commons.