Amid ongoing protest rallies concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict, clashes erupted between groups of pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators at London's High Street Kensington Tube Station.

Law enforcement swiftly deployed police officers to mitigate tensions between sympathizers of opposing sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Their primary focus was to preserve peace and prevent violence from erupting between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters, as events unfolding overseas ignited fervent demonstrations in London.

On various social media platforms, videos circulated, depicting numerous police officers actively working to separate demonstrators at High Street Kensington Tube Station. This was in response to the intensification of a pro-Palestine rally occurring outside the Israeli embassy. Hamas executed a "surprise attack" on Israel by launching a barrage of rockets into the southern and central regions of the country, resulting in the tragic loss of over 700 lives.

At the same time, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has categorically labeled individuals backing Hamas for the "horrific assault" as "terrorists."

"The people who support Hamas are fully responsible for this appalling attack. They are not militants. They are not freedom fighters. They are terrorists," posted Sunak on X.

Thousands of people assembled for a pro-Palestinian protest in front of the Israeli Embassy. Some protesters climbed lampposts, waving flags and lighting flares. Demonstrators chanted slogans like "Israel is a terrorist state" and "Allahu Akhbar." Vendors set up stalls selling "Free Palestine" merchandise, while others launched fireworks toward the embassy building.

"Events in central London this evening - following the attack in Israel and the escalation of conflict along the border with Gaza in recent days - have now concluded, with three arrests and further live arrest inquiries underway," said Metropolitan Police in a statement.

In contrast, Israelis mourning the victims and hostages seized by Hamas during a Gaza border assault held a vigil outside Downing Street in the evening. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed support for Israel by visiting a London synagogue.

On another front, UK Member of Parliament Suella Braverman called for a policy of absolute intolerance toward terrorism on British streets. "There must be zero tolerance for anti-semitism or glorification of terrorism on the streets of Britain. I expect the police to use the full force of the law against displays of support for Hamas, other proscribed terrorist groups or attempts to intimidate British Jews," Braverman posted on X.

The protests reflect increasing international tensions surrounding the escalating conflict between Israel and Palestine. In London's Golders Green area, a Kosher restaurant suffered vandalism, and a nearby bridge was marked with the graffiti message, "Free Palestine." The Chief Rabbi of the UK expressed that nearly every Jewish family is deeply affected by the Hamas attack, characterizing it as a period of "grief and concern."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan took to social media, stating, "There is no room for hatred in our city. I am in constant contact with the Metropolitan Police. Those responsible for these actions will face the full force of the law. I stand in solidarity with Jewish Londoners today and always."

Additional protests are scheduled in London by both sides throughout the week, with a significant pro-Palestinian rally slated to take place in front of the BBC building on Oxford Street.

Image source: The Statesman