On March 8, 2025, a man carrying a Palestinian flag climbed London’s Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, leading to significant disruptions around the Palace of Westminster.
The incident began around 7:00 a.m. GMT when the barefoot man was spotted ascending the tower. He positioned himself on a ledge several meters above the ground, displaying the flag and reportedly shouting “Free Palestine.”
Emergency services, including police, firefighters, and ambulance personnel, promptly arrived at the scene. Negotiators utilized a fire brigade ladder platform multiple times to communicate with the individual, urging him to descend safely. Despite these efforts, the man remained on the ledge into the evening, at one point stating, “I will come down on my own terms.”
The protest led to the closure of Westminster Bridge and surrounding streets, causing significant traffic disruptions in central London. Tours of the Houses of Parliament were canceled, and pedestrian access to Parliament Square was restricted.
A small group of supporters gathered near the scene, chanting “Free Palestine” from behind police cordons. The man’s motivations for the protest remain officially unconfirmed, but it coincided with other pro-Palestinian demonstrations across the UK, including actions at former U.S. President Donald Trump’s golf course in Scotland.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, aiming for a peaceful resolution while ensuring public safety and minimizing further disruptions.
