Pro-Palestinian protestors briefly occupied the U.K. government Cabinet Office on Friday as they demonstrated against the U.K.’s support for Israel.
Around 20 protestors managed to make their way inside the lobby in Whitehall, the heart of London’s governmental district. Some chained themselves to railings, holding up banners, calling for an end to “Israeli Apartheid,” and chanted “Stop arming Israel.”
The Cabinet Office supports the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister and is just meters from Downing Street.
Police negotiated with the protestors from London Palestine Action, who left the building after 30 minutes and continued their protest outside.
One witness, who gave her name only as Jone, said: “I can’t believe what is happening in Palestine and I cannot believe that [Prime Minister] David Cameron supports Israel. It’s disgusting.”
In a statement, London Palestine Action said: “By allowing arms exports to Israel to flourish, the U.K. government is providing material and political support for Israel's violent oppression and collective punishment of Palestinians, including the current massacre in Gaza."
The group also called for a military embargo of Israel.
The police made no arrests were made at the protest.
At least 271 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its offensive on July 7. One Israeli has been killed by Palestinian rocket fire.
On Thursday, the Israeli army stepped up its offensive to include ground operations, sending troops into Gaza.
Thousands are expected to protest outside Downing Street in support of Palestine on Saturday.
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