Anti-Israel protesters surrounded London's Downing Street on Monday night, according to the Metropolitan Police. The Palestinian Solidarity Campaign claimed that 2000 protesters were in attendance, claiming that the demonstration was because "Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and is preparing to launch an all out assault on Rafah."
HAPPENING NOWOver 2,000 outside Downing Street demanding the UK govt call for an immediate #CeasefireNOW Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and is preparing to launch an all out assault on RafahJoin us! We must do everything we can to #StopGazaGenocide pic.twitter.com/h0OUlt6q3y
— PSC (@PSCupdates) February 12, 2024
"A static protest is taking place on Whitehall, opposite Downing Street," the Met wrote on X. "Officers are present to ensure it takes place safely and that any offences can be dealt with.
"Due to the numbers present we have closed the southbound carriageway from Horse Guards Avenue to Parliament Square. This is necessary to ensure the safety of those present and any passing pedestrians. "We will reopen the carriageway as soon as it is safe to do so."
A static protest is taking place on Whitehall, opposite Downing Street. Officers are present to ensure it takes place safely and that any offences can be dealt with. Due to the numbers present we have closed the southbound carriageway from Horse Guards Avenue to Parliament… pic.twitter.com/A9lv3uG68o
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) February 12, 2024
Campaign Against Antisemitism shared images of anti-Israel placards being held at the protest.
Happening now outside Downing Street.Anti-Israel protesters wave placards with dollar signs inside Stars of David.This is London, in 2024. How on earth is this being allowed to happen on our streets? pic.twitter.com/fmmbFqYyJS
— Campaign Against Antisemitism (@antisemitism) February 12, 2024
Other signs at the events called for people to "back the resistance" and called for the establishment of a Palestinian state that would occupy the whole of Israel.
"From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" is a phrase commonly used in Palestinian activism. It refers to the land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea - which encompasses the whole of Israel.
Genocidal slogans spotted outside Downing Street. pic.twitter.com/m0VwBZwJ3t
— Georgia Leigha Gilholy (@llggeorgia) February 12, 2024
Signs defending the Houthis
Other signs called for the United Kingdom to stop airstrikes on Yemen, where Houthis have been targetting random ships traveling through the Red Sea.
The Houthis claimed that their attacks had been a protest against Israel, but the US State Department affirmed that the attacks had caused damage to aid being sent to Gaza.
Still thousands here outside Downing Street to shout as loudly as we can - Hands Off #Rafah #CeasefireNOW #FreePalestine @STWuk @PSCupdates pic.twitter.com/TMvU38rgDV
— Feyzi Ismail (@phaisie) February 12, 2024