What's happened
On October 5, 2024, tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian activists marched in London to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel. The protests, organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, included significant police presence and counter-demonstrations, resulting in multiple arrests.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, the protests were organized to target companies perceived as complicit in Israel's actions, with demonstrators chanting slogans like 'Free, free Palestine.' The Independent reported that the Metropolitan Police made 15 arrests, emphasizing the significant policing operation in response to heightened emotions surrounding the anniversary. Metro noted that the march included counter-protests, indicating a divided public opinion on the issue. BBC News highlighted the scale of participation and the planned speeches at Whitehall, showcasing the event's political significance.
How we got here
The protests are part of ongoing demonstrations following the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas on Israel, which resulted in significant casualties and a subsequent military response from Israel in Gaza. This anniversary has heightened emotions and tensions surrounding the conflict.
More on these topics
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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The Palestine Solidarity Campaign is an activist organisation in England and Wales that promotes solidarity with the Palestinian people.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Hyde Park is a Grade I-listed major park in Central London. It is the largest of four Royal Parks that form a chain from the entrance of Kensington Palace through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, via Hyde Park Corner and Green Park past the main entrance