Hundreds march in London urging release of hostages held in Gaza

Hundreds of pro-Israel demonstrators marched through central London on Sunday, demanding the release of hostages still held in Gaza and to show their support for the country.

Protesters led by the UK's chief rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis and the Jewish direct action group Stop The Hate held Israeli flags and placards showing the faces of hostages.

Some expressed anger at the UK's intention to recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel meets certain conditions, with several people telling the BBC that this was a "reward for Hamas".

One man, who was not part of the march, was arrested for common assault and a racially aggravated public order offence, the Metropolitan Police said.

Two further arrests for assault were made "following a disagreement between attendees in the crowd," it added.

The force estimated 2,000 people took part in the protest.

Small scuffles briefly broke out near Trafalgar Square with a handful of people chanting pro-Palestinian slogans. Some were led away by police.

Adam Ma'anit, who lost several family members in the Hamas-led cross-border attacks on 7 October 2023, said the UK government had not "exhausted all possibilities" to free the remaining hostages.

"The freedom of the hostages unlocks new pathways, and it's the swiftest way to break the crisis in the Middle East," he told the BBC.

"I want the UK government to stop messing things up," he said, referring to what he called its "bungled" announcement regarding possible recognition of a Palestinian state.

Adam Ma'anit said the UK government could do more to help secure the release of hostages still being held in Gaza

It is thought 20, of the remaining 50 hostages held in Gaza, are believed to be alive.

Some protesters held pictures of Evyatar David - the 24-year-old who was shown looking emaciated and weak in a Hamas video released earlier this month, prompting outrage both in Israel and internationally.

Julie, who did not want to give her second name, told the BBC that "we need to carry on remembering" the hostages.

"We need to get them home. We need more people here. There's a lot of moral confusion going on at the moment."

Julie, one of the protesters, said the hostages should not be forgotten

Sir Keir Starmer said in July that the UK will recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel takes "substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza".

The prime minister said Israel must also meet other conditions, including agreeing to a ceasefire, committing to a long-term sustainable peace that delivers a two-state solution, and allowing the United Nations to restart the supply of aid.

But many protesters said Sir Keir should be prioritising the release of the hostages.

"The hostages have been rotting in the tunnels and the British government haven't been putting pressure on Hamas," said Daniel, another protester.

"It's outrageous."

A large security presence was in place for the march, including police and Jewish safety groups.

Many of the protesters held signs saying 'end Jew hatred', with several attendees telling the BBC they were concerned for their safety in the UK.

Jewish groups say there has been a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents in Britain since 7 October 2023, the date of the Hamas-led attacks on Israel when about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.

Since then, 61,430 people have been killed in Gaza as a result of Israeli military operations, the health ministry says.

Sunday's protest came a day after protesters marched through central London to express support for Palestinians, in a demonstration organised by the Palestine Coalition.