London, April 12, 2026 London Metropolitan Police arrested 523 people during a pro-Palestine demonstration on Trafalgar Square, marking one of the largest mass detentions at a protest in the city in recent years.
Background of the Ban and Court Ruling
The arrests come amid ongoing legal and political tensions surrounding Palestine Action, a group banned by the British government in July under anti-terror laws after some members breached a Royal Air Force base. The group has accused the British government of complicity in alleged Israeli war crimes in the Gaza Strip, a claim Israel has repeatedly denied.
In February, the London High Court ruled that classifying Palestine Action as a terrorist organization was unlawful. However, the government has appealed the decision, meaning the ban remains in effect pending the outcome of the appeal. The group’s activities have been a flashpoint in the UK, with supporters arguing its protests are legitimate dissent, while critics label them as disruptive and extremist.
The Protest and Police Response
The demonstration on Trafalgar Square drew hundreds of activists, many carrying banners and chanting slogans condemning Israel’s military actions in the Gaza Strip. The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, after a brutal attack by Hamas on Israel, has sparked widespread international debate and protests.