London Police Arrest 15 at Protest Over West Bank Settlement Sales
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jun 14
London Police Arrest 15 at Protest Over West Bank Settlement Sales
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jun 14
Summary
Fifteen people were arrested at a London protest against a real estate event marketing land and homes in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, as hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the venue.
The arrests came amid tense scenes with heavy police deployment and pro-Israel counter-protesters, while officers said the detentions covered a range of offences including public order matters.
Nearly 100 British lawmakers had urged the government two days earlier to stop the event, arguing it promoted activity illegal under international law; MP Layla Moran said it should never have been allowed to proceed.
The UK Foreign Office said it completely opposes advertising property in illegal settlements and on June 9 strengthened advice warning British businesses of reputational and possible legal risks.
The dispute lands amid wider scrutiny of Israeli settlements, which are considered illegal under international law, and after the International Court of Justice ruled in 2024 that Israel's occupation was unlawful.