Nearly 900 people were arrested in the United Kingdom over the weekend during a protest in London in support of the banned pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action, according to the Metropolitan Police.

Authorities confirmed that 857 individuals were arrested under the Terrorism Act of 2000 for supporting a proscribed organization, with another 33 detained for separate offences, including alleged assaults on police officers.

Read more: Global Sumud Flotilla sets sail for Gaza without UK protection

Solidarity with Gaza targeted in crackdown

The protest, described by organizers as an expression of solidarity with Gaza, was held outside the UK Parliament and drew around 1,500 participants.

Many demonstrators carried signs condemning "Israel's" aggression and genocide in Gaza and expressing support for Palestine.

This comes as "Israel" intensified its bombardment of Gaza and launched new strikes with the stated aim of seizing Gaza City to defeat the Palestinian resistance.

Critics have accused the UK government of using counterterrorism laws to suppress peaceful activism.

The United Nations and other human rights groups have condemned the July decision to designate Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, citing threats to civil liberties and free speech.

Police claim violence; organizers insist protest was peaceful

Of the 33 non-terrorism-related arrests, 17 were allegedly for assaults on officers. The police claimed their officers faced “intolerable” abuse. However, organizers from Defend Our Juries (DOJ), who coordinated the “Lift the Ban” rally, described it as “the picture of peaceful protest.”

Reports noted that many of those arrested were older individuals, some holding signs like “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”

If convicted, the majority face up to six months in prison, while organizers could face sentences of up to 14 years.

Read more: Jeremy Corbyn launches investigation into UK complicity in war on Gaza

Public figures, UN slam ban as legal overreach

The ban on Palestine Action was pushed by former interior minister Yvette Cooper, who accused the group of engaging in “aggressive and intimidatory attacks” against public and private institutions.

She also claimed that court-imposed reporting restrictions have limited public understanding of the group’s actions.

Nonetheless, public support for Palestine Action has grown since the group’s proscription, with many viewing the UK’s actions as an attempt to silence those who speak out against the war on Gaza and stand in solidarity with Palestine.