Israel and Hamas conflict sees thousands of protesters take to west London streets

Protesters have taken to the streets of west London as the Israel and Palestine conflict rages on, with more than 1,500 people killed in the region.

Israel declared war against Palestine on Sunday after an attack by proscribed Palestinian terrorist organisation Hamas, which has seen at least 900 Israelis killed.

Israel has since killed at least 700 people in Gaza, in retaliatory attacks. The conflict follows decades of Israeli control in the area and apartheid rule over the Palestinian population.

Last night, supporters of both countries turned up in their thousands to show support as the death toll continues to rise in the region.

A huge group of Palestine supporters made their way to Palace Green, Kensington, to protest outside the Israeli embassy.

Meanwhile, thousands of people went to a vigil in Downing Street to show their support for people killed in Israel.

Three arrests were made for assault on an emergency worker, racially-motivated criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon.

At around 7.40pm, British Transport Police officers arrested a 15-year-old boy in Kensington High Street, near High Street Kensington Tube station, on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker. He has been taken to a central London police station.

At around 8pm, a 70-year-old man was arrested in the Kensington area on suspicion of racially motivated criminal damage. He has been taken to a central London police station.

At around 9pm, a 29-year-old man was arrested in Oxford Street on suspicion on causing actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon. He has been taken to a central London police station.

The Met said during the protests in Kensington High Street that a number of individuals were observed engaging in criminal damage of a building.

A spokesman for the Met said: “Londoners have seen more police officers on the streets across the capital throughout the day to reassure and protect the public with an enhanced visible presence particularly in London’s Jewish communities.

“We are aware of concerns being raised about flags and other symbols being displayed in a way that could lead to people feeling threatened.

“Specialist officers reviewed these and determined they were not flags of proscribed organisations. The waving of a particular flag is not, in itself, a specific criminal offence unless it relates to a proscribed organisation. At present, no offences were identified.

“Londoners will continue to see officers on the streets, in our communities across London in the days to come following days to reassure and protect.

“We have zero tolerance for any hate crimes. Anyone with concerns, or who has witnessed any offences, should speak to an officer, or contact police online, via 101 or call 999 in an emergency.”

Pictured top: A protester climbs a lamp post as people take part in a Palestine Solidarity Campaign demonstration near the Israeli Embassy in Kensingston (Picture: PA)