Protesters attacked, arrested in London demo against Great Israeli Real Estate event

Pro-Palestine protesters in London’s Edgware were attacked by counterprotesters and met with police arrests on Sunday during a demonstration against the 'Great Israeli Real Estate Event.' The event, held at Edgware United Synagogue, markets properties in the occupied West Bank, including the Gush Etzion settlement, which the UK government considers illegal. Police temporarily closed Edgeware Way after clashes, arresting six protesters for public order offenses. The protest followed calls from over 100 UK MPs, led by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, to cancel the event, citing its inconsistency with government policy and international legal obligations. Jeanine Hourani of the Palestinian Youth Movement said the event normalizes the selling of Palestinian land, comparing it to Israel’s attempts to normalize genocide. London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned Israeli settlements as 'unjustifiable and illegal under international law' during Mayor’s Question Time. The event’s organizers, including the Emanuel Group, have faced scrutiny for their involvement in illegal settlements, with one sponsor listing companies like Harey Zahav, which advertises properties in the occupied West Bank. Footage showed police pinning peaceful protesters to the ground as they held Palestinian flags and posters reading 'thou shall not steal.' The International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network also planned to protest the event, which took place despite widespread opposition. Edgware United Synagogue did not respond to requests for comment.