Wave of protest greets Israeli PM

Protesters from the Stop the War Coalition, Palestine Solidarity Campaign and the British Muslim Initiative converged on Downing Street at lunchtime, demanding an end to Israel's violations of international law, with its refusal to dismantle the illegal settlements on the West Bank, the "ethnic cleansing" of east Jerusalem and its ongoing siege of Gaza.

StWC spokesman Stewart Halforty said that organisers had been bowled over by the numbers that assembled at such short notice - the demonstration was only confirmed on Monday evening when the details of Mr Netanyahu's visit emerged.

"The amazing turnout today just shows the level of anger at Israel's actions," he said.

"We know that Brown will not put any real pressure on Netanyahu over the settlements. We want to see an arms embargo on Israel and an end to all financial aid until it dismantles the settlements and lifts the siege on the Gazan people."

Protesters were initially forced to gather across the street, but the large numbers appeared to take police by surprise and the demonstration was able to move right up to the gates in time for Mr Netanyahu's arrival at 2pm.

The Israeli hardliner was left in no doubt as to the strength of feeling among protesters before police reinforcements showed up and forced demonstrators back across the road - a heavy-handed action which led to three arrests.

During the police surge, protester Anika Zahir tried to walk back across when she was blocked by an officer. Ms Zahir questioned why she was being stopped, while tourists were allowed through. The officer allegedly replied: "Your colours are all wrong - black T-shirt with green vest," before branding her earrings - depicting the colours of the Palestinian flag - "disgusting."

Ms Zahir, who is of Pakistani origin, then asked if her skin colour bothered him too.

To which he allegedly replied: "Yeah." She complained to the police supervisor on site, but her grievances were ignored.

She was later arrested, along with a friend - bringing the total number of arrests yesterday to five.

"This just shows that the police's attitude to democratic protests has not really changed at all since the G20 protests," noted Mr Halforty.

Mr Netanyahu was officially in London for talks on the so-called Middle East "peace process" as part of a European tour. He will meet US Middle East envoy George Mitchell in London today, before visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin on Thursday.

However, while he had the ear of Mr Brown, who recently described Britain as a "true friend" of Israel the Israeli prime minister was widely believed to be putting the new Labour government under pressure to turn the screws on Iran over its unproven nuclear weapons programme.

The Stop the War Coalition is urging the British people to write to Mr Brown and call for their government to act to ensure that Israel ends its numerous violations of international law. Letters can be faxed to Downing Street on (020) 7925-0918.