How Israel’s genocide in Gaza pulled Britons into the Palestine movement

What Happened

Two UK residents, Claire, 52, from near Edinburgh, and Marji, 70, from Colchester, describe being drawn into pro-Palestine activism following the Hamas attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and took more than 240 captives, and Israel's subsequent military campaign in Gaza, which Al Jazeera reports has killed more than 74,000 people. Claire faces up to 14 years in prison after being arrested under Sections 11 and 12 of the Terrorism Act for alleged membership of and encouragement to join Palestine Action, a group the UK proscribed in 2025. Marji was arrested in July in Westminster under Section 12, also for alleged support of Palestine Action, and awaits a possible charging decision. Al Jazeera reports that more than 3,000 people have been arrested for showing support for Palestine Action. Separately, on the three-year anniversary of 7 October, the Metropolitan Police said five people were arrested outside the Board of Deputies of British Jews in north London for 'inciting racial hatred, involving allegedly shouting or chanting slogans calling for Intifada'.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The UK is a close ally of Israel and a key destination for arms exports and diplomatic support; domestic protests and counter-terrorism arrests are testing the government's policy and civil liberties. The arrests of first-time, older protesters under terrorism legislation for Palestinian solidarity indicate a widening crackdown that could influence public opinion, trade union mobilisation, and the Labour government's stance on arms sales and the Gaza war. The anniversary policing and proscription of Palestine Action are likely to heighten domestic political tensions over UK complicity in Gaza and West Bank violence.

Watch For

Monitor whether the Crown Prosecution Service lays charges against Claire and Marji and any court rulings on Palestine Action's proscription; watch for further Metropolitan Police arrests around 7 October commemorations and Defend Our Juries civil disobedience actions; track UK government decisions on arms sales to Israel and any parliamentary or legal challenges to the use of Terrorism Act sections against protesters.