London: Protests broke out across central London on October 2 after Israel intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, which aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Police clashed with demonstrators, arresting at least 40 people.
The flotilla, consisting of 44 boats carrying nearly 500 activists, parliamentarians, journalists, aid workers, and crew, attempted to bypass Israel’s blockade to deliver food, medicine, and essential supplies. Israeli forces intercepted the vessels in the early hours of Wednesday as they neared Gaza.
According to flotilla members, Israeli forces used water cannons, drone strikes, and communications jamming before boarding and detaining the crew. Detainees were taken to Ketziot prison in the Negev Desert, a facility that rights groups have accused of torturing Palestinian prisoners.
The interception sparked global protests, with demonstrators regrouping at Parliament Square in London at 5:30 p.m., continuing late into the night. Police used kettling on Downing Street, separated groups, and reportedly struck protesters, including the elderly. Authorities said the measures were necessary to prevent violence but declined further comment.
Protesters expressed concern for the Marinette, the flotilla’s final boat, which had initially evaded Israeli warships but was later intercepted 42.5 nautical miles from Gaza on October 3. Activists aboard are expected to face charges for attempting to enter Israel illegally.
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmoud condemned the protests as “un-British” and “dishonourable”, linking them to heightened tensions following a deadly synagogue attack in Manchester that killed two people. Authorities and media have drawn parallels between pro-Palestinian demonstrations and the synagogue attack, though no evidence connects the assailant to the Palestine movement.
Mahmoud appealed to potential protesters, stating:
"Just because you have a freedom doesn’t mean you have to use it all the time. Give the community a chance to breathe and process what has happened."
The Metropolitan Police have urged organisers to cancel the upcoming “Defend Our Juries” protest on October 4 in Trafalgar Square against the ban on activist group Palestine Action. The force cited a need to protect Jewish communities following the synagogue attack, warning that mass gatherings would strain resources.
Organisers have rejected the police position, posting on X:
"Don’t arrest us then. We are causing no obstruction. We are committing no act of violence. We are peacefully protesting against UK complicity in genocide. Deal with actual terrorism."
This protest is set to go ahead, despite police warnings.