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London, UK – Scenes of disruption unfolded in Parliament Square on Saturday as Metropolitan Police officers arrested members of Palestine Action, just one day after the group was officially proscribed as a terrorist organisation. The arrests follow a day of protest where demonstrators gathered, brandishing signs and banners in support of the organisation's cause.

The move to ban Palestine Action marks a significant escalation in the government's response to the group's persistent and often disruptive activism. For months, Palestine Action has been targeting companies with links to Israel, staging protests and demonstrations aimed at disrupting their operations and raising awareness of the Palestinian cause. These actions have frequently involved direct action tactics, including vandalism and attempts to shut down facilities.

The Home Office formally banned Palestine Action under the Terrorism Act 2000 on Friday, citing concerns that the group's activities have escalated to a level that poses a risk to national security and public safety. The proscription means that anyone found supporting or participating in Palestine Action’s activities could face arrest and prosecution. Financial assets linked to the group are also at risk of being seized.

Saturday’s demonstration saw a sizable crowd assemble in Parliament Square, despite the looming threat of arrest. Protesters chanted slogans and held signs calling for an end to Israeli occupation and supporting the rights of Palestinians. The Metropolitan Police swiftly moved to disperse the crowd and began making arrests, citing public order offences and breaches of the new proscription order.

“We are aware of a demonstration taking place in Parliament Square,” a Metropolitan Police spokesperson stated. “Officers are on site to ensure the safety of the public and to prevent any disruption. Following the proscription of Palestine Action, we are taking action against individuals involved in the demonstration who are suspected of breaching the order.”

The arrests have drawn mixed reactions. Supporters of Palestine Action have condemned the government's decision to ban the group and the police response, arguing that it is an attempt to silence legitimate dissent. Critics, however, maintain that Palestine Action’s actions have crossed a line and that the proscription is a necessary measure to protect businesses and ensure public safety.

The legal implications of the proscription are still unfolding, and it remains to be seen how the ban will be enforced in the long term. The case highlights the complex and sensitive nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenges of balancing freedom of expression with national security concerns. Further developments are expected as the legal proceedings related to the arrests and the proscription order progress.

This incident underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the government's response to activist groups operating within the UK. The situation continues to evolve, and the repercussions of this ban are likely to be felt for some time to come.