Students have gathered to attend pro-Palestine protests on university campuses across the UK on the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks on Israel.
Hundreds of London students are among those demonstrating against “the beginning of genocide in Gaza”, with students unfurling a banner with the names of killed Palestinians outside King’s College London near the Strand. A pro-Palestine group, Intifada 87, are currently marching towards Downing Street, Metropolitan Police said, announcing a Public Order Act.
Participants chanted “Palestine will live forever” and “Palestine will be free” as the Inter-University March departed from King’s College London and towards London School of Economics, University College London and the School of Oriental and African Studies.
Around 100 people joined a demonstration outside at the students’ union building at Sheffield University, shouting chants including: “Occupation is a crime, get your hands off Palestine.”
Hundreds also gathered at Edinburgh University, where they criticised calls from Sir Keir Starmer and the university management not to take part in the protest.
Politicians and some Jewish leaders - including the prime minister - have expressed concerns over the timing of the protests, which are taking place two years after Hamas murdered 1,200 people and kidnapped 251 people.
Key Points
- Protests begin at UK universities
- Starmer urges students to halt pro-Palestine protests
- Students say they are protesting 'genocide and forced starvation'
- Where are protests due to take place?
- 7 October anniversary just days after Manchester terror attack
Recap: Son of Holocaust survivor says Government has 'slandered' students protesting war
20:15
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Bryony Gooch
The son of a Holocaust survivor said the Government has “slandered” students protesting against the war in Gaza on the anniversary of the October 7 attack.
Mark Etkind, who is in his early 60s and joined a protest marching between several London universities on Tuesday, said: “Students today have been protesting against the Gaza genocide, two years since October 7th – the appalling massacre, and in the media and, in fact, the Government itself Starmer has slandered these students, saying they’re somehow being insensitive to the suffering of October 7th, or indeed to …
“The terrible crime in Manchester that happened last week, while ignoring the obvious fact that their priority is to oppose the genocide now, to oppose the ongoing conflict which Britain unfortunately is complicit in because we are still sending weapons to Israel.”
Mr Etkind, from Watford, added: “The priority for me, as the son of a Holocaust survivor, is not just to mourn people who’ve already died, no matter how important that is – it’s stop the killing now.
“As we speak today, weapons made in Britain are contributing to the deaths of children and others in Gaza – that has to stop now in order to save those lives, so these brave student protesters have to keep demonstrating until that genocide stops.
“If Starmer had any concern about civilian lives at all, he would stop his own complicity in genocide.“
Mr Etkind attended the protest wearing signs reading “this son of a Holocaust survivor says: stop the genocide in Gaza” and “stop arresting Jews for criticising Israel”.
Watch: Interview with son of Holocaust survivor
20:00
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Bryony Gooch
‘At my university, people are afraid to show any signs that they are Jewish’
19:45
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Bryony Gooch
For many British Jews, university life feels like the front line of ‘new antisemitism’ – never more so than on the anniversary of 7 October, when ‘Time for dessert’ bake sales and demonstrations are being organised by their fellow students. Nicole Lampert reports.
In pictures: Students protest war in Gaza
19:30
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Bryony Gooch
Edinburgh University staff and students gather for pro-Palestinian protest
19:10
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Bryony Gooch
Hundreds of students and staff at Edinburgh University have gathered for a pro-Palestinian protest on the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks that sparked the conflict in Gaza.
Many protesters were carrying flags and placards bearing pro-Palestinian slogans as they gathered outside the university’s main library on George Square.
They were addressed by speakers, including from a number of student organisations, and were led in English and Arabic chants to the sound of drums.
Participants shouted the word “shame” and cheered at intervals as the speakers called for an end to the ongoing conflict, and for the university to divest from firms with links to Israel’s military operation.
They also criticised calls from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the university management not to take part in the protest.
The demonstrators then marched through Bristow Square and on to the university’s Old College, where further speeches and chants are taking place.
Protesters 'will not be intimidated by the state' says speaker at London march
19:00
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Bryony Gooch
A speaker at a march in London said student protesters “will not be intimidated by the state” after the Prime Minister criticised pro-Palestine demonstrations planned for October 7.
Speaking to more than 100 protesters gathered near SOAS University in Bloomsbury, expelled student Haya Adam said: “Keir Starmer has urged students not to protest today but we are here today.
“We have successfully marched all the way from KCL to SOAS.
“We will not be intimidated by the state or afraid by their oppression.”
Ms Adam, who previously studied international relations and law at SOAS, added that the Prime Minister and the Labour Government were funding destruction in Gaza.
“It’s our responsibility to march today because it’s been over two years, two years and 77 years of an ongoing nakba, of continuous forced starvation, massacres against our Palestinian brothers and sisters,” she said.
In pictures: Protesters take to the streets
18:54
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Bryony Gooch
Protesters stand on Whitehall and chant 'Free Palestine'
18:51
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Bryony Gooch
The protesters have stopped marching as they reach Downing Street, where they are chanting ‘Free Palestine’ and ‘Stop the bombing now’.
They are holding flags as they sing and chant. Police are standing by and watching on.
Protesters appear to be heading to Downing Street from Trafalgar Square
18:46
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Bryony Gooch
Live footage from the march on YouTube shows the marchers heading towards Downing Street. The protesters walked down Regent Street and through Trafalgar Square carrying Palestinian flags.
We’ll keep you updated as the group move towards Whitehall.
Watch: Interview with pro-Palestine October 7 protester
18:40
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Bryony Gooch
Pictured: Public Order Act mapped by Met Police for Intifada 87 march
18:30
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Bryony Gooch
Met Police organise no go area as pro-Palestine group to march on BBC headquarters
18:08
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Bryony Gooch
The Metropolitan Police has imposed Public Order Act conditions on a protest by Intifada 87, a pro-Palestine group.
“They intend to assemble outside the BBC at 17:30hrs before walking to Downing Street for a static protest. They must not enter the zone shown in red below, this is to prevent disruption to the community” a statement read.
Once the group reach Downing Street, they must stay within the area shown in red below, on Richmond Terrace. They must also conclude by 8pm, according to the force.
We’ve imposed Public Order Act conditions on a protest by Intifada 87, a pro-Palestine group. They intend to assemble outside the BBC at 17:30hrs before walking to Downing Street for a static protest.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) October 7, 2025
They must not enter the zone shown in red below, this is to prevent… pic.twitter.com/LGScoUo7cq
King's College staff member clashes with pro-Palestine protesters
17:50
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Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Protest in pictures
17:30
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Maryam Zakir-Hussain
The protest started outside King’s College London and concluded at SOAS.
Students chant 'I believe we will win'
17:15
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Maryam Zakir-Hussain
As the speeches come to an end, one student has led the crowd in a chant of “I believe we will win” with several jumping to the music and swinging their keffiyehs to much applause.
An event is due to be held this evening at King’s College London, as well as speeches near UCL, two of several events held at universities across the UK on the second anniversary of 7 October.
'Students are rising up for Palestine'
16:52
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Maryam Zakir-Hussain
The Independent’s Holly Evans reports from London:
Haya Adam, the president of the Palestine Society who was recently expelled from SOAS for her pro-Palestine activism, told the crowds: “We will continue to honour each and every one of our martyrs. Students are rising up for Palestine.”
She added: “When we say from the river to the sea, We mean it. There is only one state, Palestine 48.”
Student calls on crowd to remain 'determined'
16:44
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Maryam Zakir-Hussain
The Independent’s Holly Evans reports from London:
A second year UCL student told the crowd to remain “determined” in the face of injustice.
“The first and most important thing is when you decide to take part in student resistance, you are joining a movement,” she said.
“What you are joining is a liberation movement and we will be successful as it is promised to us.”
The majority of the crowd remains masked, with several wearing keffiyehs and carrying the Palestinian flag.
March approaches SOAS
16:36
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Maryam Zakir-Hussain
The Independent’s Holly Evans reports from London:
One of the protesters leading the march is now chanting “Palestine is not your home” and “F*** you f*** you Israel” as the crowd marches towards SOAS, where the march is due to conclude.
Counter protestor shouts at crowd
16:19
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Maryam Zakir-Hussain
The Independent’s Holly Evans reports from London:
A counter protester has begun shouting ‘Free Gaza from Hamas’ and ‘There is no genocide, there is no famine’ and ‘You terrorist scum’.
In response, crowds have chanted ‘Scum’ while police gathered to circle him.
Son of holocaust survivor says priority is to 'stop the killing now'
16:06
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Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Holly Evans reports from London:
Mark Etkin, the son of a holocaust survivor, has joined today’s student protest in solidarity.
He told The Independent that his priority as the son of a Holocaust survivor is “to stop the killing now, as we speak today”.
When asked his response to criticism of the protests from politicians, Mr Etkin, from Watford said: “I think the politicians who have been saying that mostly have been people who have been actively supporting a genocide in Gaza.
“They have the blood of tens of thousands of children and women and others on their hands, so I don't listen to them at all.
“The priority for me as the son of a Holocaust survivor is not just to mourn people who have already died - no matter how important that is - it's to stop the killing now as we speak today.
He added: “Weapons today made in Britain are contributing to the deaths of children and others in Gaza as we speak.
“That has to stop now in order to save those lives. So these brave student protesters have to keep demonstrating until that genocide stops.
“If Starmer had any concern about civilian lives, lives at all, he would stop his own complicity in genocide.”
Protest reaches Russel Square
15:55
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Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Holly Evans reports from London:
The protest has made its way up Kingsway and has now reached Russell Square, where they will gather outside the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).
Drums are still beating and chants of “from the river to the sea” can still be heard.
Protests 'represent return to humanity'
15:52
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Athena Stavrou
Ali Khalaf, one of the demonstrators in London, told The Independent that the pro-Palestine protests “represents the return to our humanity, collectively globally”.
He said: “I know it's October 7th it's unfortunate that it’s a day like today, because a lot of innocent people lost their lives, but ultimately October 7th happens every day to the Palestinian people.
“So we need to remember that.”
Starmer's criticism of protests 'unjust'
15:44
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Athena Stavrou
A student protesting against the war in Gaza said Sir Keir Starmer’s criticism of demonstrations planned for the anniversary of the October 7 attacks is “unjust”.
Speaking outside King’s College London on Tuesday, the student, who wished to remain anonymous, said of the Prime Minister’s comments: “Keir Starmer, to be honest, he hasn’t really done much anyway, and I believe that for him to say it’s ‘not British enough’, it’s just unjust of him, it doesn’t make any sense.
“Us as humans, we have to come together to protest about this.
“It’s a critical, critical matter that we have to speak upon.
“Palestinians are still humans at the end of the day, and these countless, countless massacres that are going on, it’s completely wrong.”
Asked why he had chosen to attend the protest, the 18-year-old said: “Today, it would have either been me choosing a lecture or choosing this Palestinian protest and I believe this protest is much, much more important than the lecture, because it is not talked about enough how much these Palestinians are suffering.”
Those criticising protests 'hypocrites', says demonstrator
15:34
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Athena Stavrou
An Edinburgh University staff member taking part in a pro-Palestinian demonstration has described those calling for the protest not to take place as “hypocrites”.
Sara Al Disi, 32, said: “We are protesting the violence that’s actually been enacted on the Palestinian people.
“The (Manchester) synagogue attack, it’s a very horrific thing, and it’s actually very scandalous that the media and the politicians are using it to suppress pro-Palestine activism, because it’s not the same thing.
“They’re trying to equate antisemitism and anti-Zionism. And I think a lot of people just don’t believe that any more. It does not wash.”
She added: “I think we should protest today, especially because they’re trying to make it so that (we can’t protest) on that day – and to say that actually they’re hypocrites.”
'This did not start on 7 October'
15:31
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Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Holly Evans reports from London:
One protester, who has led many of the chants and wished to remain anonymous, said: “This did not start on 7 October. This narrative that it started on October 7 is the most illogical idea.
“Israel has bombed and committed a modern state of apartheid in Gaza for 77 years. 750,000 Palestinians were forced out of their lands.
“This isn’t a war, this isn’t a conflict, this is a genocide and must be called that. I will stand and tell you and every other media organisation that this is a genocide.”
Protesters unfurl banner with names of Palestinians killed by Israel
15:26
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Athena Stavrou
London march arrives at LSE
15:22
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Athena Stavrou
Outside London School of Economics, more chants of “Palestine will be free” can be heard and “From the river to the sea”.
The crowd appears to be a mixture of protesters, press and a number of students who are observing while attending their classes.
Aside from a few speeches, the demonstration has largely revolved around drum beats and chanting.
Israeli counter-protestor says demonstrations 'insensitive'
15:16
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Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Holly Evans reports from London:
One of the small number of counter-protesters said she thought it was “incredibly insensitive and offensive” for students to protest on October 7.
Emily Schrader, an Israeli journalist who said she was visiting family in London, told The Independent: “To protest today specifically isn't a sign of support for Palestinians, it's a sign of support for Hamas and the actions that happened that day.
“It’s wildly offensive and irresponsible, both for Israelis, of course, but even more than that, also for Palestinians who have been suffering under Hamas, who are also victims of a UK designated terrorist organisation.”
Watch: King's College staff member clashes with pro-Palestine protesters
15:10
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Athena Stavrou
Hundreds gather in Edinburgh
15:02
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Athena Stavrou
Hundreds of students and staff at Edinburgh University have gathered for a pro-Palestinian protest on the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks that sparked the conflict in Gaza.
Many protesters were carrying flags and placards bearing pro-Palestinian slogans as they gathered outside the university’s main library on George Square.
They were addressed by speakers, including from a number of student organisations, and were led in English and Arabic chants to the sound of drums.
Participants shouted the word “shame” and cheered at intervals as the speakers called for an end to the ongoing conflict, and for the university to divest of investments in companies they said are producing weapons being used in the conflict.
They also criticised calls from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the university management not to take part in the protest.
The demonstrators then marched through Bristow Square and on to the university’s Old College, where further speeches and chants are taking place.
Small group of counter-protesters arrive at London demonstration
14:46
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Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Holly Evans reports from The Strand:
As hundreds of pro-Palestine demonstrators gather on the Strand to mark two years since October 7 2023, a small group of counter-protesters also appeared holding an Israeli flag.
Students deliver speeches at protest
14:33
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Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Holly Evans reports from The Strand:
Taking to the makeshift stage outside the King’s College London Strand campus, one protester said: “This did not start on 7 October. Generations have been born under siege and displacement, entire families have been wiped off.
“Freedom is a fallen word to them, they have known Nothing but torture, humiliation and grief.”
Her speech is met with chants of “shame”
Pictures from the Strand as protest begins outside King's College
14:27
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Athena Stavrou
Protesters reject Starmer's 'un-British' characterisation
14:14
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Athena Stavrou
One of the organisers of the Sheffield protest, Anton Parocki, of the Revolutionary Communist Party, rejected Sir Keir Starmer’s claim that holding pro-Palestinian rallies on October 7 was “un-British”.
Mr Parocki said: “I think it’s quite funny. What does that mean?
“Are all these people here anti-British? Are all the millions of people that come out for Palestinian protests anti-British?
“Is it anti-British to go against a genocide? That seems like what he’s saying, which is quite funny.”
He said: “But, to be honest, I don’t care what a war criminal says.
“Keir Starmer is a war criminal, so his opinion means very little to me.”
Mr Parocki added: “It’s disgraceful, isn’t it?
“He says it’s insensitive. You know what I think is insensitive? Is that there’s been two years of genocide.
“That’s way worse, with the British Government supporting it.”
Protestors unfurl banner with names of those killed in Gaza as London protest begins
14:00
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Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Holly Evans reports from London:
Palestine protesters have unfurled a long piece of fabric outside entrance to Strand campus, believed to contain names of those killed in Gaza.
University officials are attempting to ensure the banner doesn’t obstruct students attending classes.
A small group of protesters, all wearing masks and sunglasses, have congregated outside.
Chants of “1,2,3,4, occupation no more, 5,6,7,8, Israel is a terror state” can be heard, as well as “From the river to the sea” and “Palestine will live forever”.
Several members of the press are present, as well as Met Police officers.
Ed Davey says protests today are 'completely wrong'
13:42
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Athena Stavrou
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey agreed it would be “completely wrong” for people to take part in protests in support of Palestine on the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack.
Speaking to the PA news agency during a visit to Fife, Sir Ed said: “I think people shouldn’t protest today.
“Liberal Democrats are giving a strong message that protesting on this anniversary with all the grief and sadness of it, particularly in the UK given what happened last week in Manchester with the appalling terrorist attack on worshippers at the synagogue.
“I think it would be completely wrong for people to protest.”
Pictured: Student's protest in Sheffield
13:24
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Athena Stavrou
Students gather at Sheffield university for Gaza protest
13:17
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Athena Stavrou
Around 100 people joined a demonstration outside at the students’ union building at Sheffield University.
Those who gathered shouted chants including: “From river to the sea, Palestine will be free”, “there is only one solution – revolution, revolution” and “occupation is a crime, get your hands off Palestine”.
Those who gathered for the Revolutionary Communist Party-organised event on Tuesday also chanted criticism of the university’s policies, shouting: “Your uni is covered in Palestinian blood.”
A few protesters were carrying Palestinian flags but only a couple carried placards.
The protest was watched by a handful of university security officers but there was no obvious police presence.
Wes Streeting warns NHS failing Jewish patients
12:50
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Holly Evans
Wes Streeting has warned that medical institutions are “completely failing to protect Jewish patients”.
The health secretary told The Times: “Two years on from the horrific events of October 7th and just days after a despicable attack on our nation’s Jewish community, we must be unequivocal that antisemitism has absolutely no place in our NHS, or anywhere in our society.”
He added: “It should go without saying that doctors making racist comments about Jewish people is abhorrent and demands action. Yet all too often, appropriate action by regulators has been sorely lacking.
'We need to stand alongside Jewish community', says minister
12:30
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Holly Evans
Ahead of the prospect of pro-Palestine protests on the second anniversary of the Hamas terror atrocities in Israel on Tuesday and just days after the Manchester synagogue attack, communities minister Miatta Fahnbulleh told LBC Radio: “This is a really tough time for the Jewish community. We have seen a rise in antisemitism that is absolutely unacceptable.
“We have had, for the first time in our history, a Jewish person killed because they are Jewish. That is absolutely unacceptable and we need to stand alongside the Jewish community in solidarity.
“What I would say to people is the Jewish community are our neighbours, they’re our community, they’re our friends and we should be compassionate and thoughtful and considerate.”
Full story: Starmer urges students to halt pro-Palestine protests
12:10
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Holly Evans
Sir Keir Starmer has urged students not to attend pro-Palestine protests on the second anniversary of the “heinous” October 7 terror attacks on Israel and just days after two people were killed at a synagogue in Manchester.
Hundreds were arrested at a Palestine Action demonstration in London on Saturday, which went ahead despite calls from Sir Keir and others in the wake of the attack on British soil, leading Amnesty International to say it should not be the job of police to arrest people “peacefully sitting down”.
Thousands of students are expected to attend rallies on Tuesday on the second anniversary of the atrocity in which 1,200 people were killed.
Read the full story here:
