Thousands join march for permanent Gaza ceasefire as man arrested for inciting racial hatred
One protester has been arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred within minutes of the pro-Palestinian march starting in London.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators set off at 12.30pm on Saturday from Park Lane to Whitehall calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Before 1pm, the Metropolitan Police confirmed they had arrested one man on suspicion of inciting racial hatred for carrying a placard with Nazi symbols on it.
It comes as the force said it would be handing out leaflets to provide âabsolute clarityâ on what will be deemed an offence.
Deputy assistant commissioner Ade Adelekan said the leaflets set out âthat anyone who is racist or incites hatred against any group should expect to be arrested. As should anyone who supports Hamas or any other banned organisationâ.
âWe will not tolerate anyone who celebrates or promotes acts of terrorism â such as the killing or kidnap of innocent people â or who spreads hate speech,â he said.
A series of handmade placards and banners were held up by pro-Palestinian demonstrators, with some referencing the slogan âfrom the river to the seaâ.
One placard displayed a picture of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer under the word âGenocideâ, while another had a picture of leaders of the G7 above the phrase âWar criminals on the runâ.
The Met Police has come under criticism over its handling of the demonstrations, with pressure from senior politicians for officers to come down harder on alleged displays of antisemitism.
Organisers from Stop the War Coalition said that such a measure was âintrusiveâ, but asked anyone attending to avoid âany actions that might leave you or others around you open to arrestâ.
âWe ask that all attending our marches respect these clear anti-racist principles, including in any signs or placards they choose to bring to the march,â the group said in a statement.
The latest demonstration comes as Egyptian officials confirmed that Hamas will free another 14 hostages on Saturday in exchange for 42 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
The first group of 24 hostages â 13 Israelis, 10 Thais and one Filipino national â were released by Hamas on Friday during a four-day truce. In turn, Israel freed 39 Palestinians from prison.
Additional reporting by Press Association
