Thousands descend on London for pro-Palestine rally as police brace for chaos

Pro-Palestine supporters have clashed with demonstrators waving Israeli flags during a march in London today with one man shouting “you don’t want the hostages” and another making a “cut-throat” gesture.

During one section of the route, pro-Palestine supporters headed past a group waving Israeli flags, with a large “buffer zone” of police keeping them apart.

In video shared on X by Inc.Monocle a man seemingly supporting Gaza screams at the Israeli faction “you don’t want the hostages”, while another protester amongst the Palestinian flags makes a “cut-throat” gesture.

Calling out the latter gesture made by a man towards the Israel supporters, conservative commentator Chris Rose asked Met Police why they didn’t take action when they were nearby.

Posting on X Mr Rose said: “Hi Met Police UK, was this pro Palestine protestor who made a cut-throat gesture towards Israeli protestors in front of your police officers arrested? If not, why? It’s a clear death threat.”

Protesters carrying banners saying “free Palestine” and “ceasefire now” were seen this lunchtime gathering to begin the march which will end in Parliament Square.

There is a heavy Metropolitan Police presence in the capital with close to 1,000 officers being deployed to several different events taking place across the city.

At the same time as the Palestinian-supporting march another protest by the group Turning Point UK, a self-described “right-wing conservative activist group” will also be taking place.

A spokesperson for the Met Police said: “A Palestine Solidarity Campaign demonstration will begin at 12pm at Russell Square, before proceeding towards Aldwych, along the Embankment and finishing in Parliament Square.

“At the same time a demonstration by Turning Point UK will be held on Whitehall. We have imposed conditions under the Public Order Act on both demonstrations.

“Any person participating in the Palestine Solidarity Campaign procession, must not deviate from the route specified on the below map.”

Express.co.uk reporter Chris Sharp is on the ground today following the protest, for more updates follow this LIVE blog throughout the day.