Silver Surge: Hundreds of Seniors Arrested in Palestine Action Protests

In a dramatic day of civil disobedience, more than 500 people were arrested following a coordinated Palestine Action protest targeting multiple sites across the UK. Police confirmed that almost half of those detained were aged 60 or above, highlighting the growing involvement of older activists in direct action movements.

The protest, organised by the controversial campaign group Palestine Action, saw participants blockading entrances, scaling buildings, and chaining themselves to gates at locations allegedly linked to the supply of arms and equipment to Israel. Demonstrators accused the companies involved of “profiting from war crimes” and called for the UK government to end all military trade with Israel.

Officers from several police forces were deployed throughout the day, with arrests made for offences including aggravated trespass, criminal damage, and obstruction of the highway. Many of the older protesters, some well into their seventies, said they were “prepared to face arrest” as an act of moral duty.

A retired teacher from Manchester, aged 72, told reporters:

“We’ve lived long enough to know what injustice looks like – and we’re not afraid to put our bodies on the line for the people of Palestine.”

While supporters praised the intergenerational solidarity and commitment of the protesters, critics accused the group of causing disruption and risking public safety. Government officials reiterated their stance that while the right to protest is protected, illegal acts will be met with enforcement.

Palestine Action has vowed that this will not be their final large-scale mobilisation, promising “bigger, bolder, and more relentless” actions in the months ahead.