London Al-Quds rally defies restrictions amid Gaza war anger Submitted by MEE staff on Sun, 03/15/2026 - 20:31 Protesters gathered in central London for Al-Quds Day after police ban traditional march Palestinian flags and placards at an annual protest, this year a static protest, held by pro-Palestinian group Al-Quds in central London on March 15, 2026. (Justin Tallis/AFP) Off Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in central London on Sunday for the annual Al-Quds Day rally, after British authorities blocked the traditional march through the capital. The event, held each year in support of Palestine, was heavily restricted following a government decision to ban the procession. Instead of marching through the streets as in previous years, participants were permitted only to hold a stationary rally. The restrictions intimidated many supporters from attending. Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan acknowledged that turnout was lower than expected, saying “fewer people attend than we had anticipated”, adding that the conditions imposed by police meant some participants “chose” to stay away. The Al-Quds Day protest, organised in the United Kingdom by the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), is typically held toward the end of Ramadan and calls attention to Palestinian rights and Israel’s decades-long occupation. This year’s event was framed by organisers as a protest against the genocide in Gaza, with banners and slogans also opposing the widening Israeli-US war and calling for “Hands Off Iran”. Many demonstrators waved Palestinian flags as speakers denounced Israel’s war on Gaza and western support for the campaign, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and devastated the besieged enclave. The UK government approved a request from the Metropolitan Police to prohibit the march, alleging concerns about “serious public disorder”, according to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. Police said 12 people were arrested during the rally, “inclu