Eleven arrested in London protests marking October 7 anniversary

Eleven people were arrested in London on Wednesday as protests took place marking the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks. The Metropolitan Police reported that arrests were made for a range of offences including inciting racial hatred and breaching the Public Order Act.

Incidents in Camden and Holborn

In Camden, five individuals were arrested for alleged incitement of racial hatred. The Metropolitan Police stated these arrests followed spontaneous protests outside the Board of Deputies where slogans were allegedly shouted. Later, in Holborn, four people were arrested at a pro-Palestine student march, and one person was arrested at a counter-protest, both for offences under the Public Order Act. An additional arrest for common assault was made at one of the student marches.

Guidance for Universities

Universities UK, an organisation representing over 140 higher education institutions, published guidance for university leaders. The guidance advises leaders to maintain close contact with Jewish student groups, review security arrangements, and publicise reporting mechanisms for antisemitic incidents. Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK, commented that students and staff participating in protests should be aware that October 7 marks the anniversary of a brutal attack on innocent people. She agreed with the Metropolitan Police's suggestion that demonstrations should have been moved to a different date.

The protests occurred on the third anniversary of the attacks on October 7, which saw Hamas-led militants invade Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and the taking of over 250 hostages. Subsequent Israeli military action in Gaza has led to tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths and widespread displacement.

The decision for student groups to hold pro-Palestine rallies on this date had drawn criticism. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting described the planned demonstrations as "shameful", and Education Secretary Lucy Powell had urged students to show compassion and protest on another day. The Board of Deputies of British Jews held a vigil and its president, Phil Rosenberg, stated they would not be intimidated and would continue to advocate for the Jewish people and stand for peace.