Palestine News Today: UK Jerusalem Consulate Closes as Gaza Marks Three Years of War
8 October 2026. Britain's diplomatic mission in East Jerusalem has shut its doors amid a deepening row with Israel over settlement trade, as Palestinians across Gaza and the West Bank mark three years since the war began with continuing killings, demolitions and a faltering ceasefire. Solidarity protests have swept cities worldwide, from London to Bogotá, demanding an end to the violence and accountability for its victims.
UK consulate in East Jerusalem forced to close
The British consulate in occupied East Jerusalem removed its signage as an Israeli deadline for closure expired, according to Al Jazeera and Anadolu Agency. Israel's foreign minister ordered the shutdown after London announced a ban on imports from illegal Israeli settlements, marking what the Guardian describes as a low point in UK-Israeli relations. Anadolu reports the crisis has escalated further, with reports suggesting the UK is considering expelling 27 Israeli diplomats in response.
Sources: Anadolu Agency, Al Jazeera, Anadolu Agency, The Guardian
London students march on war anniversary despite police limits
Pro-Palestine university groups marched through London on the third anniversary of 7 October, according to Al Jazeera, defying police calls to postpone the demonstration. Middle East Monitor reports the Metropolitan Police imposed strict conditions on the march, warning that breaches could lead to arrest. The protest formed part of a wider wave of demonstrations across the world that day.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Middle East Monitor, Al Jazeera
Gazans still under fire despite ceasefire, three years on
Three years after the war began, Palestinians in Gaza remain in cramped tent camps and continue to face Israeli strikes even though a ceasefire is formally in place, BBC News reports. Middle East Monitor reports that four Palestinians, including a teenager and a civil defence medic, were killed in recent strikes, while a separate attack killed a volunteer medic. The Gaza Health Ministry, cited by Middle East Monitor, said at least 74,000 Palestinians, including 21,500 children, have been killed since the war began, according to Middle East Eye.
Sources: BBC News, Middle East Monitor, Middle East Monitor, Middle East Eye, Middle East Monitor
Hamas rejects Israeli claims over Gaza hospital strike
Hamas has dismissed Israeli allegations that Kamal Adwan Hospital was used for military purposes, calling the claims false and saying they are being used to justify attacks on medical facilities, Anadolu Agency reports. The Gaza Health Ministry separately accused Israel of promoting misleading claims to target what remains of the territory's healthcare system, according to Middle East Monitor. The World Health Organisation has urged a constant and uninterrupted flow of medical supplies into Gaza, warning that health needs for nearly two million people remain overwhelming a year into the ceasefire.
Sources: Anadolu Agency, Middle East Monitor, Anadolu Agency
West Bank demolitions and raids intensify
Israeli forces blew up the home of a Palestinian prisoner northwest of occupied Jerusalem and raided nearby towns, detaining residents and restricting movement, Anadolu Agency reports. Middle East Monitor reports Israeli forces also demolished a five-storey residential building in East Jerusalem and destroyed memorials to slain Palestinians during a raid on Nablus, while two Palestinians were injured elsewhere in the West Bank. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has condemned separate attacks on olive harvesters as war crimes, demanding international protection after one Palestinian was killed and more than 20 wounded.
Sources: Anadolu Agency, Middle East Monitor, Middle East Monitor, Anadolu Agency
Palestinian journalist held in isolation for 46 days
Palestinian journalist Bushra al-Tawil has been held in isolation for 46 consecutive days, according to Palestinian prisoners' groups cited by Anadolu Agency and Middle East Monitor. She has reportedly been repeatedly transferred between isolation facilities. Groups including the Palestinian Prisoner Society and Addameer have raised concerns over her treatment as an administrative detainee.
Sources: Anadolu Agency, Middle East Monitor
Worldwide protests demand end to Gaza war
Global demonstrations marked the anniversary of 7 October with calls for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, Al Jazeera reports. Hundreds marched in Berlin demanding accountability for Israeli war crimes and an end to German arms deliveries to Israel, according to Anadolu Agency, while Al Jazeera reports protesters in Bogotá rallied against Colombia's ties with Israel over what they called the ongoing genocide in Gaza. A French court meanwhile suspended a ban on a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Paris, Middle East Monitor reports.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Anadolu Agency, Al Jazeera, Middle East Monitor
New York mayor cites US complicity in Gaza
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani used the anniversary of 7 October to highlight what he described as US complicity in the Gaza genocide, Middle East Monitor reports. His remarks add to growing international criticism of Western governments' continued support for Israel's military campaign.
Sources: Middle East Monitor
Palestinians prepare for legislative elections
Nine electoral lists have applied to contest Palestinian legislative elections scheduled for 28 November, Anadolu Agency reports. The Palestinian Electoral Commission says the applications remain subject to review ahead of the vote.
Sources: Anadolu Agency
Palestine News is published every day on Free Palestine Store. Each item recaps reporting from the named outlets in our own words; follow the source links for full coverage.
