More than 500 individuals were arrested during a Palestine Action rally in London's Trafalgar Square, where protest organizers accused the UK government of complicity in what they termed the "Gaza genocide."
The demonstration, which drew significant crowds, saw a heavy police presence as authorities moved to detain participants. Organizers of the event have sharply criticized the government's stance on the conflict in Gaza, alleging direct involvement through political and military support.
"We are witnessing a systematic attempt to silence dissent," one rally coordinator stated. "The UK's policies are enabling violence in Gaza, and we will not stand by quietly."
Police have not yet released detailed charges for those arrested, but confirmed that the operation was conducted to maintain public order. The incident has reignited debates over free speech, protest rights, and foreign policy in the UK, with calls for an independent review of the arrests growing among human rights groups.