In the United Kingdom, nearly 500 people have been arrested in central London during a mass protest in support of the proscribed group Palestine Action. Demonstrations went ahead despite widespread calls from ministers and police to postpone the protests following Thursday’s deadly synagogue attack in Manchester. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and several Jewish organisations had also urged protesters to cancel the demonstrations, calling the protests deeply insensitive in the wake of the attack.

1,000 people took part in demonstrations, voicing opposition to what they called genocide in Palestine and backing Palestine Action – a group which was proscribed by the UK government in Jul,y making it illegal to show any support or affiliation to them. The group was added to the UK’s list of terrorist organisations due to its direct action tactics against companies linked to Israel’s military. The Metropolitan Police confirmed 492 arrests, including people aged between 18 and 89.