Clashes and arrests amid demos on anniversary of October 7 attacks

On the third anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks, clashes and arrests occurred during protests in London. Five individuals were apprehended for inciting racial hatred after allegedly chanting slogans advocating for an intifada during what police described as a spontaneous protest outside the Board of Deputies in Camden. The attacks, which saw Hamas-led militants invade Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the taking of over 250 others hostage, marked a somber occasion for demonstrators.

Despite calls for postponing the protests, around 100 pro-Palestine protesters marched through London, chanting "free Palestine" and "free the people, free the land." Counter-protesters with Israeli flags gathered nearby, leading to exchanges of verbal hostility. The Metropolitan Police reported two arrests at the central London protest, one for violating conditions and the other for common assault.

Pro-Palestine rallies also took place at universities in Edinburgh and Glasgow, with student-led groups organizing similar events. Jewish student leaders and officials such as Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Education Secretary Lucy Powell criticized the demonstrations as "outrageous" and "shameful," urging students to protest on another day.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews vowed to remain undeterred in advocating for the Jewish people and for peace and security in the Middle East. Meanwhile, university officials took steps to remove controversial chalk markings from their campuses and reviewed security measures in anticipation of student demonstrations. Universities UK published guidance for university leaders to maintain close contact with Jewish student groups, review security arrangements, and report antisemitic incidents.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged support for the British Jewish community against antisemitism, acknowledging the disturbing rise in antisemitic behavior in the UK since 2023. The Israeli embassy in London expressed concern over the increase in antisemitism, citing a significant rise in incidents reported by the Community Security Trust.