Thu Dec 18 12:58:11 UTC 2025: ## News Article: Pro-Palestine Protesters Arrested in UK Amid Crackdown on “Intifada” Chants, as Gaza Death Toll Mounts
London, UK – London police have arrested four individuals at a pro-Palestine demonstration held outside the Ministry of Justice in Westminster, marking the first arrests since authorities announced a more assertive stance against protesters calling for a “globalise the Intifada.” The arrests were made Wednesday at a rally supporting eight imprisoned hunger strikers connected to the Palestine Action group.
The Metropolitan Police (Met) cited the alleged chanting of slogans involving calls for “intifada” as the reason for the arrests. The crackdown comes amidst heightened tensions and follows a controversial link made by authorities between pro-Palestine protests and recent attacks, including a deadly incident at Bondi Beach in Australia.
UK Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips supported the Met’s action, claiming the chant incites violence. However, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign has condemned the police’s new stance. Ben Jamal, a representative of the organization, explained that “intifada” translates to “shaking off or uprising against injustice” in Arabic and represents civil resistance against military occupation in the Palestinian context. He criticized the lack of consultation regarding the policy change and accused political forces of exploiting the Bondi Beach attack to delegitimize protests against the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The police crackdown also follows an attack on a Manchester synagogue last October and a rise in reported anti-Semitic incidents in the UK, according to groups like the Community Security Trust (CST). Jewish leaders have welcomed the more assertive policing of pro-Palestine protests.
Meanwhile, concerns are also rising around the increase in Islamophobia and attacks against Muslims in the UK, fueled by what is described as racist rhetoric within mainstream politics, particularly from figures like Nigel Farage.
This news comes as the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 70,000, intensifying calls for a ceasefire and increased international scrutiny of the ongoing conflict.
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