London police arrested 40 people following a demonstration against Israel's Rafah offensive in Gaza, which took place on Tuesday in the British capital.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside Downing Street in London to protest the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza, condemning the British government's complicity in the tragedy, Anadolu reported. 

The protest, which swelled beyond initial expectations, was organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and other activist groups.

Tension arose between activists staging a sit-in protest in support of Palestine and the police in front of the Prime Minister's Office at Number 10.

A brief scuffle broke out between the protesters and the police, who threatened them with detention. 

During his address to the crowd, former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn called for an end to the arms trade with Israel.

In a passionate speech, Corbyn questioned the commitment of political leaders: "So, in this fevered political time, the question for anyone that wants to hold public office is, are you going to be a voice to end the arms trade with Israel? Are you going to stop the bombardment of Gaza?"