Chaos erupted in Whitehall last night as 40 protesters were hauled away following clashes with police. Officers enforcing Public Order Act rules faced assaults, with six detained for attacking cops. The rest were nabbed for flouting protest conditions.
Protest Backed by Global Movement for Gaza UK
The demonstration was staged by the Global Movement for Gaza UK, a group campaigning against Israel’s Gaza blockade. The outfit, part of a wider international network, has been active in recent UK protests after the Global Sumud Flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces earlier this week.
Police Forced to Crack Down After Protesters Defy Orders
Met officers tried to keep Whitehall roads clear and disruption minimal by imposing strict rules. But many protesters ignored these conditions, sparking tense confrontations. A police spokesperson said:
“Officers imposed Public Order Act conditions on the protest to keep roads open and prevent serious disruption. Regrettably, a significant number of those present were intent on breaching the conditions, leading to clashes with officers who moved in to enforce them. Forty people have been arrested. Six of those arrests were for assaults on police officers while the majority were for breaching conditions.”
Order Restored But Vigilance Remains
By evening, the protest was broken up and Whitehall returned to normal. Police confirmed they will keep patrolling the area to prevent any fresh trouble.
The surge in attacks on officers highlights the ongoing tension in London as global events fuel local unrest. Cops face a tough task balancing public safety with protesters’ rights.
Originally published on UKNIP