Full Breakdown
London Pro-Palestinian March Marks Third Anniversary of Oct 7 Attacks
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Demonstrations, Police Conditions, and Arrests
On Saturday, October 10, a coalition of pro-Palestinian groups marched through central London to mark three years since the Oct 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel. The Metropolitan Police required the route to follow Westminster Bridge, York Road, Waterloo Bridge and the Strand, with the assembly to conclude by 2.30 pm and speeches to end by 5.30 pm. Officers were authorised under the Public Order Act to order anyone wearing a face covering that concealed identity to remove it, and to arrest non-compliant individuals.
Eleven people were arrested, including five on suspicion of inciting racial hatred outside the Board of Deputies of British Jews office in Camden. One of those arrested was part of a counter-protest.
Background & Context
The Oct 7 assault killed around 1,200 Israelis and left 251 hostages, prompting Israel’s offensive in Gaza that, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, has killed more than 74,000 Palestinians. The anniversary has seen a rise in antisemitic incidents in the UK, with the Community Security Trust reporting 1,926 cases in the first half of 2026, a 20 percent increase on the same period in 2025.
Data & Statistics
- Arrests: 11 total; 5 for alleged racial-hatred incitement.
- Protest size estimate: Police anticipate 7,000–10,000 participants; other outlets describe “thousands” of demonstrators.
- Casualties (conflict): > 74,000 Palestinian deaths; ? 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages.
- Antisemitic incidents: 1,926 in the first half of 2026.
On-the-Ground Reports
Video showed several dozen protesters outside the Board of Deputies’ Camden office, many wearing face coverings. Slogans calling for an “intifada” were heard, prompting police to cite the term’s association with past Palestinian uprisings.
Clashes erupted near Russell Square, with marchers and counter-protesters exchanging insults. Participants shouted chants such as “Palestine will live forever,” “Jew Haters,” and “Terrorist supporters off our streets.” One pro-Palestinian demonstrator was handcuffed; several counter-protesters displayed Israeli flags and placards reading “Stop the Gaza geno-LIE.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Protest size: Police estimates (7,000–10,000) differ from media descriptions of “thousands.” No independent headcount has been published.
- Arrest figures: The BBC notes eleven arrests, while LBC references “hundreds” of arrests in earlier related protests, creating uncertainty about the total number detained on this specific day.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We know Saturday’s event, so close to the third anniversary of the terror attack on Israel, has the potential to have a greater impact on communities than the previous national marches.” — Assistant Commissioner Carl Galvin
- “Join us on Saturday, October 10, when we march in London to mark the horrific milestone of three years since the start of Israel’s genocide in Gaza.” — Oxford Palestine Solidarity Campaign
What’s Next
The Metropolitan Police indicated that the designated protest area will remain under police supervision until the rally concludes at 2.30 pm, and that any further breaches of the conditions will result in arrest. No additional public events have been announced for the immediate aftermath of the march.