Heavy police presence as Leeds protesters march for Lebanon and Palestine

It was the second protest organised by the group this week

There was a heavy police presence in Leeds city centre on Saturday as protesters marched in solidarity with the people of Lebanon and Palestine.

Officers watched over the peaceful demonstration as it made its way through the city centre on today, October 3.

Protesters carried Palestinian flags and signs reading "Stop killing children", "Stop genocide" and "Permanent ceasefire now". The march was organised by Leeds Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which said earlier this week it would be marching in solidarity with the people of Lebanon.

A spokesperson said on the group's Facebook page: "This week we will also be marching in solidarity with the people of Lebanon, following the Israeli strikes and shelling continuing across southern Lebanon, with an Israeli Apache helicopter striking a commercial centre near Mayfadoun, despite a supposed ceasefire agreement.

"Bring your support and flags for Lebanon this Saturday to protest against ALL Israeli violence!"

It was the second protest organised by the group this week. On Thursday, October 1, it held a demonstration against tech firm Palantir, which it accuses of providing Israel with technology for AI systems that it said "facilitate genocide and the imposing of apartheid against Palestinians".

The group said: "We are demanding the Government end the contract, and commit to not awarding any future contracts to tech companies enabling Israel's crimes against Palestinians."