A man climbed the Elizabeth Tower, home to Big Ben, on the morning of Saturday, attracting the attention of emergency services and onlookers.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed they were notified of the situation at 07:24 GMT.

The barefoot man ascended to a ledge several meters high while displaying a Palestinian flag.

He declared his actions were a protest against police oppression and state violence, and he filmed his climb.

Emergency teams, including police, firefighters, and medical staff, rushed to the scene, deploying at least nine emergency vehicles.

Video footage from the incident captured the individual sitting on the ledge, waving the flag and donning a keffiyeh scarf.

Around 10:00 GMT, emergency responders utilized an aerial ladder platform to reach out to the man, trying to negotiate a safe way down.

As the situation unfolded, onlookers gathered behind police barriers, observing the event, while a group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators held a separate rally near the Houses of Parliament.

The crowd chanted "Free Palestine," showing support for the man on the tower.

In light of the situation, authorities shut down Westminster Bridge and Bridge Street.

This closure led to the cancellation of tours at the Parliamentary Estate, affecting visitors looking to explore the area.

Exit restrictions were placed at the London Underground station, but services continued as usual.

A spokesperson for Parliament stated that security protocols regarding such incidents were taken very seriously but did not comment on specific measures in place.

Firefighters from several stations, including Lambeth, Chelsea, Soho, and Islington, participated actively in managing the event, alongside staff from the London Ambulance Service.

The incident represented a significant moment in the ongoing discussions concerning Palestine-related protests in the UK.