Despite heavy rain, a Palestine solidarity march in London ended ahead of schedule after a confrontation in Russell Square.
Students from King's College London, the London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London and the School of Oriental and African Studies set off from outside King's College to show solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Carrying Palestinian flags, the students chanted "End the genocide in Gaza" and "Leave the Palestinian people alone" as they headed toward University College London.
Police intervene in Russell Square
When the demonstrators reached Russell Square, they encountered a pro-Israel group. As the two sides exchanged chants, police stepped between them and took security measures.
Verbal tensions arose between Palestine supporters who wanted to continue the march and the pro-Israel group. British police detained several people from both groups.
The march had been scheduled to finish at 2 p.m. local time, but it was ended at around 1 p.m. because of the confrontation and the incidents that followed.
Sacid accuses opposing group
Sacid, one of the Palestine supporters, said the march had been approved by the UK's Home Office. Sacid alleged that some people had attacked, followed and harassed them during the march.
Sacid said Palestine solidarity marches had been held in London for about three years, arguing that the demonstrators had complied with the law and followed police instructions. Sacid also alleged that the pro-Israel group had been waiting to attack them.
Police conditions before the march
London's Metropolitan Police set several conditions for participants before the march under the Public Order Act. Participants were required to follow the announced route, end the march at 2 p.m. and disperse at that time.
Police also warned that participants in the march must not wear face coverings that concealed their identities.
