Full Breakdown
Pro-Palestinian Marches Mark Three Years Since Gaza Conflict in London and Edinburgh
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Simultaneous Demonstrations on October 10, 2026
On October 10, 2026, thousands gathered in central London and Edinburgh to mark the third anniversary of the 7 October 2023 attacks and the ensuing war in Gaza. In London, marchers assembled on the Victoria Embankment, proceeded along Westminster Bridge, York Road, Waterloo Bridge and The Strand, and concluded with a rally near Whitehall. In Edinburgh, participants marched from the foot of the Mound to the Scottish Parliament, where a rally was held on the lawns.
Background & Context
The protests coincided with the anniversary of the 7 October attacks, when Hamas militants crossed into Israel, killing over 1,200 people. Earlier in 2026, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced sanctions on trade with Israeli settlements and declared the UK’s position that Israel’s occupation of the West Bank is unlawful.
Key Figures & Groups
- Carl Galvin – Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Metropolitan Police, leading the policing operation.
- Ed Miliband – UK Foreign Secretary, announced sanctions on Israeli settlements.
- Husam Zomlot – Palestinian ambassador to the UK, shared a video of the London march.
- Palestine Coalition – Organizer of the London march, comprising groups such as Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Stop the War, CND, Muslim Association of Britain, Friends of Al Aqsa and Palestinian Forum in Britain.
- Stop The Hate – Counter-protest group assembling outside New Scotland Yard.
Timeline
- 7 October 2023 – Hamas attacks on Israel, triggering the Gaza conflict.
- 10 October 2026 – Coordinated pro-Palestinian marches in London and Edinburgh; police conditions imposed; arrests made.
Data & Statistics
- Attendance: BBC reported “thousands” in Edinburgh; The Guardian cited organisers’ claim of 250,000 participants in London; Metro and LBC noted police expectations of 7,000–10,000 marchers.
- Arrests: The Guardian and LBC reported 20 arrests for criminal damage, face-covering offences and support for the proscribed group Palestine Action.
- Police Conditions: Demonstrators had to follow a prescribed route, end speeches and music by 5:30 p.m., and conclude the rally by 6:30 p.m.
Official Statements & Responses
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Carl Galvin warned that the proximity to the anniversary could heighten community impact and said the police presence would be “significant.” He confirmed the use of powers under the Public Order Act to remove anyone deliberately concealing their identity with a face covering.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband linked the newly announced sanctions to public pressure from the marches, reaffirming the UK’s stance that the West Bank occupation is unlawful.
On-the-Ground Reports
Participants in both cities wore keffiyehs, displayed Palestinian flags, and chanted “free free Palestine” and “viva viva Palestina.” Edinburgh’s march featured a drum corps and speakers; London saw scuffles with police, a two-minute silence, and a counter-demonstration by Stop The Hate. Police escorted a man filming attendees with smart glasses, and two individuals were arrested for displaying placards supporting Palestine Action.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Attendance figures vary widely: “thousands” (BBC, Edinburgh), 250,000 (Guardian, London organisers), and 7,000–10,000 (Metropolitan Police estimates). No independent count is available.
- Arrest numbers differ: The Guardian and LBC cite 20 arrests, while LBC’s breakdown mentions six for criminal damage and seven for condition breaches, suggesting possible overlap.
Verbatim Quote
- “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.” — Carl Galvin, deputy assistant commissioner