Ealing Friends of Palestine (EFOP) alongside other London pro-Palestinian groups show solidarity with the people of Gaza through a flag drop in Westfield, west London.

The pro-Palestinian activists dropped a giant Palestine flag "in the belly of the beast," to send a message to shoppers and certain retailers at the UK's largest shopping centre.

"It was a flag drop, it was a flag drop in the belly of the beast in Westfield surrounded by multiple retailers who fund the genocide and support Israel," EFOP tells Nub News.

Hung from the balcony of VUE Cinemas in the middle of the shopping centre, the flag was dropped in front of retailers such as Adidas, H&M, River Island, Zara and Timberland who have links to Israel.

The action was organised by EFOP, alongside Seeds of Gaza, Greenwich Palestine Action (GPA), and Pray for Gaza (P4G).

EFOP add: "We're calling out these companies while we're there, but it's ultimately, for us to get imagery to share with the wider community because it inspires us.

"Every action that we do inspires other activists to say, 'OK, boom, these guys did a flag drop this day, maybe we can do a flag drop here and maybe we can do some kind of BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) at this place' and to keep the momentum (going)."

EFOP continue: "As well as (inspire) the Palestinians. They have internet connection and they have Instagram and they are looking at this.

"Every rally, every little bit of action, London still cares and London is still here for us and that's what matters."

Approximately after an hour of the Palestinian flag being dropped, a shopper took it down from the first floor but EFOP confirms it managed to recover it.

EFOP carried out the action alongside Seeds of Gaza, Greenwich Palestine Action and Pray for Gaza (credit: Ealing Friends of Palestine).

Images after the flag was removed also show police officers and Westfield security attending the scene where pro-Palestinian activists appear to be confronted by members of the public.

A Westfield spokesperson told Nub News: "Westfield London is a busy, family-centric destination, and to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all our visitors, we do not facilitate protests within our centres.

"Occasionally, protesters may arrive unexpectedly. When this happens, they are promptly informed of our policy and politely asked to conclude their activities and remove any visual materials.

"Our priority is always to manage such situations safely and peacefully. Sunday's protest was handled in this manner by our in-house security team, and the protesters left without incident."

The Met Police said: "Security responded to an impromptu Pro Palestine protest at Westfield London shopping centre.

"The local Policing team and colleagues from the MPS (Metropolitan Police Service) supported Westfield security who were managing this incident. After approximately 90 minutes the protesters left and no arrests were made."

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