The Al-Quds Day London protest led to several arrests after crowds gathered in central London chanting “death, death to the IDF” during demonstrations heavily policed by the Metropolitan Police.
More than 1,000 officers were deployed to manage the protest and a counter-protest along the River Thames after the UK government approved a police request banning the annual march.
Despite the ban on the march, demonstrators were still legally allowed to hold a “static protest,” with organisers confirming the rally would continue despite government restrictions.
Police confirmed three people were arrested during the protest and counter-protest, including one person suspected of supporting a proscribed organisation.
Another individual was detained on suspicion of dangerous driving, while a third was arrested for threatening and abusive behaviour during the demonstrations.
Crowds at the protest were heard chanting “death, death to the IDF (Israeli Defence Forces)” during speeches at the rally.
Participants also chanted “from the river to the sea” while holding Palestinian flags and banners demanding an end to Israeli occupation.
Some demonstrators carried images of Iran’s late leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accompanied by the message “Choose the right side of history.”
The annual Al-Quds Day demonstration in London has long been controversial due to criticism that it reflects support for Iran’s political leadership.
This year’s protest was particularly tense following the government’s decision to prohibit the traditional march through central London.
The ban marked the first time since 2012 that authorities prevented the annual procession from taking place.
The decision was approved by home secretary Shabana Mahmood after police warned of potential public order risks.
Organisers from the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) confirmed they would still gather for a stationary protest.
They said the demonstration would continue “in defiance of a government ban on the march.”
Police prepared for large crowds and warned the event could present a “difficult public order” environment.
Officers separated protesters and counter-protesters by placing them on opposite sides of the River Thames.
The Al-Quds Day protest was directed to assemble on Albert Embankment on the south side of the river.
Meanwhile, the counter-protest was organised on Millbank on the north side.
Police used the river as a natural barrier to prevent clashes between the two groups.
Officials confirmed that conditions were imposed requiring both demonstrations to end by 3pm.
Scotland Yard said officers would remain present in Westminster to maintain order throughout the afternoon.
Authorities emphasised that both protests were permitted only if conducted safely and lawfully.
Police also warned that any offences committed during the demonstrations would result in enforcement action.
Large numbers of protesters began arriving from around 1pm carrying banners supporting Palestine.
Several signs read “Free Palestine” while others criticised Israeli military actions.
The rally featured speeches from activists and public figures addressing the crowd.
Musician Bob Vylan was among those speaking during the demonstration.
During his speech he led chants repeating the phrase “death, death to the IDF” along with protesters.
Video streams from the rally showed the crowd echoing the chant during his address.
Bob Vylan, whose real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, previously faced police investigation over similar chants.
The investigation related to comments made during his performance at Glastonbury Festival the previous year.
Police later confirmed no further action would be taken regarding that incident.
His appearance at the Al-Quds Day protest drew renewed attention to his earlier controversy.
Another speaker at the event was Hussain Shafiei from the Workers Party of Britain.
He addressed the crowd regarding the government’s decision to ban the annual march.
Mr Shafiei said the demonstration had taken place peacefully for four decades.
He told the crowd that authorities were worried because “the whole world has turned on Zionism.”
Supporters applauded the remarks as speakers criticised Western governments and Israeli policies.
Meanwhile, counter-protesters gathered across the river in opposition to the rally.
The counter-demonstration was co-organised by groups including Stop The Hate and The Lion Guard of Iran.
Organisers said Iranian dissidents were expected to attend the counter-protest.
They aimed to challenge what they described as support for the Iranian regime.
Police maintained a heavy presence around Westminster to ensure the two demonstrations remained separate.
Barriers and officer patrols were used to control movement between both groups.
Footage circulating on social media showed officers detaining individuals at the protest.
One activist was seen being escorted away by police while holding a placard supporting Palestine Action.
The sign read: “I still oppose genocide. I still support Palestine Action.”
Reports indicated the individual was removed by officers during the demonstration.
Authorities did not immediately confirm whether that incident led to one of the reported arrests.
The Al-Quds Day event is held annually to express solidarity with Palestinians and opposition to Israeli policies.
The day was first established in Iran after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Since then, demonstrations have taken place in cities around the world including London.
However, the London march has repeatedly generated debate over slogans and symbols displayed during rallies.
Critics argue that some messages at the event cross the line into support for extremist groups.
Supporters say the demonstration is an expression of solidarity with Palestinians.
The government’s decision to ban the march intensified that debate this year.
Officials insisted the restrictions were necessary to maintain public order.
Police had warned that tensions surrounding Middle East politics could increase the risk of confrontation.
By requiring a static protest rather than a march, authorities hoped to reduce potential disruption.
Even so, officers remained prepared for large crowds and possible clashes.
The presence of both pro-Palestinian demonstrators and pro-Israel counter-protesters heightened concerns.
Police repeatedly urged participants to comply with conditions imposed on the demonstrations.
They reminded protesters that violations could lead to arrests.
Authorities also confirmed that surveillance and monitoring would continue throughout the event.
By late afternoon, police said conditions required both demonstrations to conclude.
Officers continued monitoring crowds as people began leaving the area.
Despite the tensions and arrests, the protests largely remained separated and under police control.
The Al-Quds Day rally once again highlighted deep divisions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict in the UK.
Debate over protest rights, political expression and public order is likely to continue following the demonstration.
Government ministers and activists are expected to respond to the events in the coming days.
For now, police say they will review the protest and any offences reported during the demonstrations.
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