UK police arrest 150 pro-Palestinian protesters amid rising Gaza death toll from malnutrition

Arrest update: We’ve now arrested 150 people in Parliament Square.

While many of those remaining in the Square are media and onlookers, there are still people holding placards supporting Palestine Action.

Officers are steadily working through the crowd making further arrests. pic.twitter.com/k5xDIWKQQY

— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) August 9, 2025

Supporters of Palestine Action had gathered in Parliament Square on Saturday, saying the ban limits freedom of expression. “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action,” read some of the signs.

The group Defend Our Juries said on its website: “Once the meaning of ‘terrorism’ is separated from campaigns of violence against a civilian population, and extended to include those causing economic damage or embarrassment… then the right to freedom of expression has no meaning.”

The UK government banned Palestine Action after activists entered RAF Brize Norton in June, damaging two tanker aircraft with red paint and crowbars. The group has previously targeted sites linked to Israel’s military.

Police officers arrest a demonstrator during a protest in support of the Palestinian People in Gaza, in Parliament Square, in London, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025.(AP Photo)

Meanwhile in Gaza, the Hamas-run health ministry said 11 more people have died from malnutrition, bringing the total to 212, including 98 children, BBC reported.

The ministry also said at least 38 people were killed and 491 injured in Israeli military action in the past 24 hours. The UN says aid entering Gaza is “far below the minimum required” and warns of famine conditions.

Israel denies there is starvation in Gaza, accusing UN agencies of delays in collecting and delivering aid.