Dozens arrested outside US Embassy in London for supporting proscribed pro-Palestinian group

LONDON (AP) — Over 100 individuals participated in a protest outside the U.S. Embassy in London on Saturday, according to police reports. The majority of those arrested were for expressing support for a proscribed organization, Palestine Action. The Metropolitan Police stated that 48 people were taken into custody, with the majority of arrests being related to support for the banned group.

Protesters held signs advocating against what they saw as genocide and in favor of "Palestine Action." Some chanted "free, free Palestine" as they were led away. The U.K. government had previously classified Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, making membership or support a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

A vigil was also held in Edinburgh, Scotland, with no arrests reported, but inquiries into those seen supporting the proscribed organization are ongoing. The protests occurred before an appeal at the Supreme Court on November 4 against Palestine Action's designation as a terror group. Supporters argue the ban is a violation of free speech, while the U.S. government has sanctioned the group in August.

Palestine Action, formed in 2020, seeks to end U.K. military support for Israel, which it claims is committing genocide against Palestinians—an accusation Israel denies. The group has taken direct actions, such as breaking into an Israeli weapons factory in 2024 and causing damage at a Royal Air Force base in June 2025.