Nine police hurt in 'Free Palestine' protest outside Israeli Embassy in London
Missiles were thrown after a mainly peaceful demonstration
Last updated 16th May 2021
Nine police officers were injured and missiles were thrown at a demonstration to show support for the Palestinian people, outside the Israeli Embassy in Kensington, London last night (Saturday 15 May).
Thousands of people marched through the capital on Saturday to the gates of the embassy, while protests took place in other cities across the UK and Ireland in solidarity with the people of Palestine.
Nine people were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder in London, the Metropolitan Police said.
Four others were arrested on suspicion of breaching the Health Protection Regulations, the force added.
"Totally unacceptable"
The Met said small pockets of disorder had followed a largely peaceful demonstration.
Superintendent Jo Edwards, in charge of the policing operation, said: "We once again saw police come under fire from missiles and several were injured as a result of this. It is totally unacceptable and I wish those officers a speedy recovery.
"Throughout the day, officers sought to engage with people who had gathered to demonstrate, and encourage them to disperse to help protect themselves and others during this public health crisis.
"Where this approach did not work and officers were met with hostility, they took enforcement action.''
"Oh, Jeremy Corbyn"
The former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn appeared beside the Palestinian ambassador to the UK at a rally in support of the Palestinians, as the conflict with Israel continues.
Demonstrators chanted "free, free Palestine'', and held banners calling for an end to the bombing of the territory by Israeli forces.
A temporary stage was set up on Kensington High Street and organisers urged people to keep moving down the road as numbers continued to swell.
Other speakers addressing the crowds included the former shadow home secretary Diane Abbott, the Labour MP Zarah Sultana and the rapper Lowkey.
Crowds chanted "Oh, Jeremy Corbyn'' and threw roses as the former opposition leader took to the stage.
"Think what it's like being a mother or father and seeing a building bombed in front of you, knowing your family is in there, and you can do nothing,'' said Mr Corbyn.
"It's our global voices that will give succour, comfort and support in those settlements alongside Gaza and all over the West Bank, East Jerusalem who are suffering at this time.
"End the occupation now. End all the settlements now and withdraw. End the siege of Gaza now.''
Husam Zumlot, Palestinian ambassador to the UK, said: "This time is different. This time we will not be denied anymore. We are united. We have had enough of oppression."
Ms Abbott told the crowd: "We must remember we are part of an international movement. This is a worldwide movement for justice."
"Palestinian people are having their land seized... and they are now being killed in their homes.
The names and ages of the children killed in the conflict were read out and a minute's silence was then held.
Organisers said demonstrator numbers were estimated at 150,000.
Coloured smoke was set off along Kensington High Street and some demonstrators climbed on to buildings and bus stops, while dozens of officers from the Metropolitan Police lined nearby streets.
Destroyed
The protests came as the Associated Press reported that an Israeli air strike destroyed a high-rise building that housed the AP, Al-Jazeera and other media in the Gaza Strip.
The AP said the air strike came roughly an hour after the Israeli military ordered people to evacuate the building.
Thousands of Palestinians have been forced to flee their homes after a week of sustained conflict.
Since Monday night, Palestinian militant group Hamas has fired hundreds of rockets into Israel, whose military responded by barraging the Gaza Strip with tank fire and air strikes.
At least 145 people in Gaza and eight in Israel have been killed since the fighting erupted on Monday night.
In Israel those killed, include a six-year-old boy and a soldier.
Israel's prime minister says his military will continue strikes on Gaza for "as long as necessary".
Benjamin Netanyahu blames Hamas for the escalation in tensions, but the Palestinian president says militants are responding to "Israeli aggression".