Metropolitan Police warns against offensive chants as thousands participate in Gaza protest march.

Tens of thousands of people gathered in central London to participate in a march in support of Palestine, demanding a permanent ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict. The demonstration took place on the second day of a four-day pause in the fighting between Israel and Hamas. This is the first march in London since Armistice Day, which resulted in over 100 counter-protesters being arrested. In preparation for the march, the Metropolitan Police announced that they would distribute leaflets cautioning against language or imagery that could break the law. The police force has faced criticism in recent weeks for their handling of the protests, with demands from politicians to take stronger action against alleged displays of antisemitism. Around 1,500 officers were deployed to protect war memorials and prevent protesters from climbing on them. Additionally, Arabic-speaking officers were stationed along the march, with lawyers in the control room to advise on legal infractions. A man was arrested at the start of the march for carrying a placard with Nazi symbols, on suspicion of promoting racial hatred. The temporary ceasefire remains intact, following weeks of intense conflict and Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. However, some participants at the march expressed skepticism about the lasting impact of the ceasefire, predicting that Israel would continue their bombings once the truce ends. Organizers estimated that the protest would draw a turnout of at least 100,000 people, marching from Park Lane to central London. Previous protests on Armistice Day drew an estimated 300,000 participants, resulting in nine injured officers and the arrest of 145 individuals, mostly counter-protesters.