World Affairs

British Palestinian Dr. Rahma Aladwan: The UK Is Under Zionist Occupation

By: Mahmoud El-Yousseph   April 22, 2026

Free expression is protected in the UK, but it "does not include critiquing Israel." BBC News reported on April 11, 2026, that more than 500 people were arrested during a demonstration against the ban on Palestine Action in central London. A woman wearing a pin with the Palestinian flag was prevented from entering a restaurant in London and was asked to remove it.

Dr. Rahma Aladwan is still in jail in the UK. She was arrested on March 26, 2026, and is currently facing multiple charges related to supporting Palestinian resistance and alleged hate offenses. Her arrest follows a series of social media posts and public remarks that led to her being taken into custody. She is expected to appear before a London court later.

Dr. Rahmeh Aladwan, a 31-year-old British Palestinian trainee surgeon, has become one of the most talked‑about figures in the UK this year. She is also known for her work in trauma and orthopedic care.

It does not make any difference to the UK government whether Israel has committed war crimes or crimes against humanity in Gaza, nor that its prime minister and former war ministers have been indicted by the ICJ. Now the Israeli forces are carrying out similar actions in Lebanon by deliberately destroying 38 Lebanese villages. This deliberate destruction leaves villagers with no homes to return to-another form of ethnic cleansing, which constitutes a war crime.

"The UK is under Zionist occupation"

Last week, PhD computer engineer Furkan Gözükara tweeted: "Child survivor of the Holocaust Stephen Kapos and Jewish citizens are actively arrested by London police simply for holding cardboard signs opposing the genocide in Gaza. The British government proves its deep complicity in ongoing war crimes by silencing peaceful opposition. It is obvious that the UK is under Zionist occupation, and British police have been using violence against peaceful pro‑Palestine supporters on behalf of Israel for the past three years." Police also arrested Elizabeth Morley, aged 80, under the Terrorism Act while she was peacefully holding a sign in support of Palestine Action. As she was taken away, she said the mass arrests were a "very stupid thing to do."

500+ protesters arrested in London

A protester holding a sign that read, "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action!" was arrested. A senior Met Police officer initially told him he would not be arrested because of the wording on his sign. However, shortly afterward, an Essex Police officer arrested him for holding the same sign. He was among more than 500 protesters arrested at the Defend Our Juries demonstration in London that week.
One activist told the rally, "We only have our voices. We can only stand up to our government by speaking up." Protesters gathered in central London to denounce attempts by the UK to pass a bill that would give police new powers to restrict or ban protests. (Source: Middle East Eye)

Dr. Rahma Aladwan will not back down

According to Arab in UK, Dr. Aladwan criticized the way her words were taken out of context and framed as incitement, arguing that the backlash against her was politically motivated and stemmed from her criticism of Israel's mass arrests of Palestinians. The backlash quickly escalated, with online campaigns demanding her removal and threats directed at her and her family. She also expressed concern about the extent to which her personal information had been circulated, describing it as an attempt to intimidate her into silence.

However, Dr. Rahma Aladwan remained firm in her stance, stating that such attacks only reinforced the importance of continuing to speak out. Despite the pressure, she maintained that she would not back down, emphasizing that efforts to silence pro‑Palestinian voices would not succeed. She denies making racist or hateful statements and intends to pursue legal action against those responsible for the defamation campaign.

Mahmoud El-Yousseph is a Palestinian freelance writer and retired U.S. Air Force veteran. He writes on U.S. foreign policy, Middle East affairs, and justice. Email: [email protected]
Category: Articles, Featured, Highlights, World Affairs
Topics:      Israel–palestine Conflict
Author: Mahmoud El-Yousseph   April 22, 2026
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