London protests demand arrest of Israeli President over Gaza genocide

Protests against Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to the United Kingdom escalated this week, with demonstrators calling for his arrest over war crimes and genocide in Gaza.

The protests took place over three consecutive days outside key locations, including Downing Street, the Chatham House think tank, and the Intercontinental Hotel near Hyde Park, where Herzog was staying.

Organisers reported that at least four protesters were injured by Metropolitan Police officers and three were arrested. The demonstrations coincided with the British government’s statement that it does not consider Israel’s actions in Gaza to amount to genocide.

Protesters demanded accountability amid Israel’s intensified airstrikes and evacuation orders in Gaza, where Gaza health authorities say more than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed since the genocide began.

Herzog’s name was mentioned in a case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where petitioners cite him among Israeli officials accused of “genocidal intent.”

Herzog has previously claimed that “there are no innocent civilians in Gaza” and was photographed signing rockets destined for the region.

Protesters planned to demonstrate during Herzog’s September 10 meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street. However, organisers said the meeting was rescheduled at the last minute, likely to avoid disruptions. Later that day, protesters gathered outside Chatham House, where Herzog participated in a public discussion hosted by director Bronwen Maddox.

During the livestreamed event at Chatham House, Herzog stated that Israel’s goal is “to finish the war” and emphasized that “the last thing we want is for people to suffer.” He also expressed concern for the people of Gaza, saying, “I care for the people of Gaza,” while dismissing reports of famine and asserting that Israel “reject-[s] the notion that there is now any famine.” Herzog blamed Hamas for diverting aid, driving up prices, and obstructing ceasefire negotiations. His remarks echoed those of other Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, who described the famine reports as “a lie.”

Maddox countered Herzog’s statements, asserting that “there is no evidence of Hamas stealing aid delivered into Gaza.”

Humanitarian groups and UN agencies have repeatedly warned of famine conditions in Gaza, formally declaring it in August 2025. More than 400 Palestinians, including at least 140 children, have died from malnutrition. Over 1,400 have been killed in airstrikes on aid sites.

Aid has been systematically used as a weapon against Palestinians through blockades and direct targeting. Reports also document instances where aid supplies have been destroyed by Israeli forces and civilians before crossing into Gaza.

While police prevented pro-Palestinian demonstrators from approaching the building, a smaller group of pro-Israel demonstrators waved Israeli and military flags nearby. As Herzog left Chatham House, protesters chanted “shame” and “war criminal,” while his delegation displayed a photo of two Israeli hostages.

The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians wrote to Scotland Yard’s War Crimes Unit on September 7, urging an investigation into Herzog. Friends of Al-Aqsa also submitted a similar request to the Crown Prosecution Service, which has instructed a senior prosecutor to urgently review the complaint.

Herzog is scheduled to leave the UK on September 12.