Pro-Palestinian protesters blocked roads outside the British Parliament in London today, calling for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Clashes occurred between the protesters and police, who prevented them from marching on Westminster Bridge. The demonstrators occupied the surrounding roads after they were unable to fully access the bridge as planned, where they intended to hold up signs.
The police stated that they imposed a legal order defining the areas where protests could be organized, and the protesters began to disperse by 3 PM (GMT). The police added that those refusing to comply with the order to leave would be arrested.
Today's march was smaller than previous mass demonstrations and comes two days before the British Parliament returns to work after the Christmas recess. The protest aims to push politicians to take a firmer stance against Israel. So far, Britain has not called for an immediate ceasefire, with Foreign Secretary David Cameron arguing that any such agreement might not last and could escalate violence without a plan for long-term peace. Most previous protests in London were organized in coordination with the police and were largely peaceful; however, the police noted that today's protest organizers refused to disclose details of their plans.
