Huge crowd chants ‘free Palestine’ at Israeli embassy in London in chaotic scenes
Hundreds of pro-Palestine protesters gathered at the Israeli embassy in Kensington, chanting “Israel is a terrorist state,” “Free Palestine,” and “Allahu akhbar,” in chaotic scenes in central London tonight.
Footage from the area shows police officers out in large numbers observing demonstrators waving placards demanding an end to Israel’s occupation.
Palestine Solidarity Campaign, one of the groups behind the demonstration, said in a statement: “The offensive launched from Gaza can only be understood in the context of Israel’s ongoing, decades-long, military occupation and colonisation of Palestinian land and imposition of a system of oppression that meets the legal definition of apartheid.
“This is the context in which we need to understand the cycle of violence. If violence is to end, both that of the oppressor and the oppressed, then we must all take action to end the root cause – Israeli apartheid and oppression of Palestinians.”
Supporters of the Israeli community were unable to reach the embassy.
Bella Wallersteiner wrote on Twitter: “I came to pay my respects to the Israeli Embassy. I was unable to get very far. Terrifying.”
A teenager was arrested after he spat on a police officer, the Met said.
The Met Police said: “We are engaging with protesters in Kensington High Street. “We encourage those taking part to do so safely and responsibly. “Do not put yourself or others at risk of injury by climbing street furniture or buildings. “Officers will take action if any criminal activity occurs.” They added: “We are aware of instances of suspected criminal damage in Kensington High Street. “Offices are on scene, intervening and gathering evidence. “We are actively seeking to locate and arrest those suspected of being involved in any criminal activity.”
And at nearly Kensington Tube station police were forced to step in to separate groups as tensions threatened to explode.
Nigel Farage tweeted a video of the scenes from outside the embassy, adding: “This is very frightening. Support for the barbarous actions in Israel on the streets of London tonight.”
By around 10pm Met Police said the crowd had left the area and were making their way to Whitehall.