Over 500 Pro-Palestinian Protesters Arrested in Trafalgar Square as UK Government Labels Group as 'Terrorist

Breaking news. Late-breaking update. London's Trafalgar Square erupted into chaos Saturday as more than 500 pro-Palestinian activists were arrested during a sit-down protest demanding justice for Gaza. The Metropolitan Police swarmed the scene, hauling demonstrators to the ground while others cheered, clapped, and waved banners emblazoned with slogans like "No Genocide" and "Free Palestine." The arrests, confirmed by the force, targeted individuals aged 18 to 87, many of whom were holding placards supporting the Palestine Action group—a movement now branded as a "terrorist" organisation by the UK government.

The protest, organised by Defend Our Juries, erupted as a direct challenge to the government's alleged complicity in Israel's actions in Gaza. Protesters, many of whom had faced previous charges for their activism, stood firm despite the risk of imprisonment. "It's really important to continue to show up," said Freya, 28, a London-based environmental campaigner. "The morals of these people here do not change, even if the government flips-flops in court." Her words echoed through the square as police descended, using batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd.

The legal battle over Palestine Action's designation has intensified. Though the High Court overturned the group's "terrorist" label in February, citing free speech concerns, the government has appealed the ruling. Police resumed arrests in late March, resuming a policy critics call "mass arrests of people holding pieces of card." Amnesty International UK condemned the crackdown as "yet another blow to civil liberties," highlighting the arrest of an elderly woman with walking sticks. "This is a return to failed tactics," said a spokesperson, adding that the force had "abandoned its duty to protect peaceful protest."

Denis MacDermot, 73, from Edinburgh, stood defiant despite a prior arrest record. "I'm a supporter of these great people," he said, his voice shaking with conviction. "They're fighting for justice, not violence." His words were met with nods from fellow protesters, many of whom had faced charges under the now-suspended ban. The High Court's ruling, which suspended all trials of those accused of supporting Palestine Action, is set for review on July 30.

Founded in 2020, Palestine Action has targeted Israeli weapons manufacturers, including Elbit Systems, in a campaign to end "global participation in Israel's genocidal and apartheid regime." The group's tactics—ranging from sabotage to direct action—have drawn both admiration and condemnation. As the sun set over Trafalgar Square, the arrested protesters were hauled away, their voices fading into the night. But their message remains: the fight for Gaza is far from over.