Scuffle breaks out at march to release Israeli hostages: Counter-protesters shout 'Free Palestine' as thousands take to the streets to demand captives held by Hamas are freed

Daily Mail​

3 days ago

Scuffles broke out between campaigners and pro-Palestine activists at a march on Downing Street calling for more to be done to free Israeli hostages from Hamas.
Shouts of 'free free Palestine ' from a small group caused huge disruption as the two sides clashed in the capital, which is facing its second day of protest following a chaotic rally on Saturday supporting Palestine Action.
One counter-demonstrator with gold teeth stuck his tongue out at the main group and appeared to make comments.
Police have removed a number of counter-demonstrators are threatened them with arrest.
Meanwhile, one man a man has reportedly been detained outside Downing Street after a protestor was grabbed by the throat.
He threw water from a bottle over a demonstrator a fracas occurred, which included him being grabbed by the throat.
He had him by his throat for several seconds, witnesses claimed. There was shoving and pushing and then police swooped over him and apprehended him.
One eye-witness said: 'He grabbed the man by the throat for a few seconds. It was horrific. It was so aggressive. It's disgusting behaviour.'
A number of other people have been apprehended but it is unclear if they have been arrested.
The march was peaceful until that point, with no trouble.
Some demonstrators chanted 'get the terrorist scum off our streets' in response.
The rally comes a day after thousands of Left-wing pro-Palestine activists swamped Westminster on Saturday - with more than 530 people arrested for supporting newly prescribed organisation Palestine Action.
Today's rally has seen thousands of demonstrators are marching to Downing Street to call for Keir Starmer to do more to get hostages held by Hamas in Gaza released.
Families of those held captive in Palestine have today slammed the Prime Minister for his efforts to get them released.
The organisers have described the demo as having an 'unequivocal' stance that Palestine should not be recognised as a state until the hostages are home.
Israel believes around 20 hostages remain, with protesters today chanting 'bring them home' as they approached Downing Street.
Adam Ma'anti, cousin of hostage Tsachi Idan, said Mr Starmer should do more.
He said: 'We are deeply concerned. Their lives are at risk. There is no time to lose. We have to bring them home now.
'I'm desperate to see my cousin come home and the rest of the hostages. I miss him dearly.
'The UK has not done enough. They need to apply more pressure, especially on states which have a relationship with Hamas.
'The recent announcement to recognise Palestine is a travesty. It sends the wrong message. It has given Hamas confidence.
'We were close to a ceasefire. This has emboldens Hamas and they now want more demands.'
He said no recognition of Palestine should be made until the hostages are relieved.
He said: 'We're living a nightmare. This has been so distressing for all of the families. Not a moment goes by when I don't think of him.'
Angela West, 56, from Kilburn, north London, attended the demo with husband, Paul, 57.
The teacher said: 'Today is a message to the government and the world that we will never forget the hostages.
'We need peace. We're desperate. Keir Starmer needs to do more.'
Paul added: 'This will be peaceful today. We want peace. This isn't aggression. The world needs peace.'
Thomas Barker, 65, got emotional when talking about the situation.
During a day of chaos and farce, Left-wing activists swamped Parliament Square in London yesterday in support of the organisation, which was proscribed by the Government last month as a terrorist group
The retired engineer said: 'The world needs to stand up. That starts today. Keir Starmer needs to put pressure on states that communicate with Hamas. How has this happened? How has it allowed to happen?'
Dozens gathered in Holborn, central London, before a 'national march for the hostages' organised by Stop the Hate UK and a number of Jewish groups.
Some protesters held Israeli flags and wore yellow ribbons as they congregated in Lincoln's Inn Fields from 1.30pm on Sunday.
The march has since arrived at Downing Street, where Noga Guttman, the cousin of kidnapped 24-year-old Evyatar David, will give a speech.
Other speakers include Ayelet Svatitzky, whose brothers Roi and Nadav Popplewell were murdered, and Adam Ma'anit, whose cousin Tsachi Idan saw his eldest daughter's murder before he himself was later confirmed dead.
The UK's Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis has joined hundreds of protesters in London.