Ten protesters were arrested during angry confrontations with police outside the Israeli Embassy in London, Scotland Yard said last night.

Campaigners were seen being handcuffed and dragged away by officers after events boiled out of control when thousands gathered in Kensington to protest against the bombing blitz on Gaza.

High Street Kensington was closed off with police vans blocking the street as the number of demonstrators swelled throughout the afternoon to about 2,000. Among the protesters were Respect MP George Galloway and former MP Tony Benn, who both addressed the rally.

Mr Galloway said later: “Israel has killed hundreds and maimed hundreds more — many of whom are women and young children — yet Gordon Brown is blaming the victim rather than the aggressor.

“We should treat Israel as we treated South Africa during apartheid. They should be shunned.”

Violence flared as police attempted to physically remove people so they could reopen the road.

Protesters threw placards and screamed abuse as officers scrummaged to push campaigners back. Some demonstrators were seen attempting to climb the gate towards the Embassy.