In a major pro-Palestine demonstration in London, thousands of protesters marched through the city's streets, demanding a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The march, organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), is the first since the International Court of Justice condemned Israel's strikes on densely populated areas of Gaza. The court ruling followed South Africa's accusation of Israeli genocide, which Israel vehemently denies.

According to the Metropolitan Police, approximately 20,000 protesters took part in the march, although organizers had anticipated hundreds of thousands to join. The event began at Portland Place in Marylebone and proceeded down Regent Street towards Westminster. Despite the majority of participants demonstrating peacefully, there were several incidents that led to arrests. One individual was accused of setting off a suspected smoke bomb or flare, while another was handcuffed for allegedly chanting racially hateful slogans.

To ensure public safety, Scotland Yard deployed hundreds of additional officers, emphasizing that disruptions and unlawful behavior would be dealt with swiftly and effectively. The protest culminated at Whitehall, where speakers, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and RMT general secretary Mick Lynch, addressed the crowd, appealing to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to call for an immediate ceasefire.

Protesters held banners and placards reading "Freedom for Palestine" and "End the Occupation." Some marchers even carried signs in the shape of watermelons, symbolizing Palestinian resistance during past periods when displaying Palestinian flags was prohibited.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward of the Metropolitan Police, in a video message posted on social media, assured residents and businesses affected by the demonstrations that the majority of protestors were peaceful. He pledged strict enforcement against any disruption, emphasizing that offensive signs, including those of a religious or racially aggravated nature, would not be tolerated.

Similar "day of action" demonstrations demanding a ceasefire were held in Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Newcastle. In Wales, South Wales Police upheld peaceful protest while maintaining public safety. Demonstrators outside Holyrood in Scotland echoed the calls for a ceasefire, and in Newcastle, activists gathered outside the local factory of Israeli weapons manufacturer Rafael.

The international community has been closely watching the conflict, with the recent ICJ ruling urging Israel to take measures to minimize civilian casualties and facilitate the delivery of aid to displaced Gazans. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decried the court's consideration of genocide charges, vowing to continue defending his country. Negotiations for a potential ceasefire are underway, but Israel has rejected Hamas' calls for an immediate end to military operations.

Given ongoing tensions, concerns have been raised over future funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides essential humanitarian aid to Palestinians. The UK and several other countries have suspended funding pending investigations into allegations of agency staff involvement in the October attack by Hamas terrorists that sparked the conflict.

As the pro-Palestine demonstrations continue to unfold, the international community awaits further developments and hopes for a resolution that will bring about lasting peace in the region.