PRO-PALESTINE activists protested against an Israel fundraiser event attended by its British ambassador Tzipi Hotovely today after she rejected a two-state solution and ruled out a ceasefire in Gaza.

British Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden also attended the event at the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) in London as the “guest of honour,” and Israeli President Isaac Herzog appeared through video link.

The event website called it an opportunity to “take charge and lead a restart of Israel’s economy” following the October 7 Hamas attack.

Some RSA staff walked out in protest over the event, prompting calls from groups including Stop the War Coalition (STWC) and Workers for a Free Palestine for the public to join them in solidarity.

A Jewish activist was arrested after being able to make his way inside, with multiple officers holding him down as protesters chanted “shame on you” and “let him go.”

In a leaked email seen by the Star, RSA Operations said they were not aware of the details of the event in advance as an external client booked it and that they would “investigate immediately.”

RSA worker Nikki, who did not wish to give her real name, said: “The presence of Hotovely, who has made such sickening comments in justification of the killing of tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza, makes many of us feel unsafe in our place of work.

“We are ashamed that management has allowed this to happen.

“This, on top of our ongoing fight for fair pay, makes clear that they have no regard for staff wellbeing or the progressive values the RSA has historically held.”

Speaking to Sky News on Wednesday evening, Ms Hotovely said that Israel would not accept a two-state solution when the war with Hamas ends.

“Absolutely no,” she said when asked about Palestinians having their own state.

When pressed about how there can be peace without a Palestinian state, she said: “Israel knows today and the world should know now... that the Palestinians never wanted to have a state next to Israel.

“They want to have a state from the river to the sea. They are saying it loud and clear.”

Ms Hotovely was also asked about United Nations demands for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

“Ceasefire? No,” she responded. “It just basically means we would like to welcome another attack [like that seen on] October 7.”

Palestine Solidarity Campaign director Ben Jamal said: “The leaders of both main parties in the UK keep repeating the rhetoric of support for a two-state solution, ignoring the reality that successive Israeli leaders have made clear they will never allow the establishment of a Palestinian state.

“Hotovely’s comments are merely a reaffirmation of this long-held position. 

“They make clear that Israel has no intention of recognising the core rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination, but intends to sustain a system of oppression that is now accepted internationally as a system of apartheid. 

“This will not end unless Israel faces accountability for its oppression and violation of international law.”

Na’amod UK, a Jewish peace movement, said in a statement on X: “Tzipi Hotovely has shown time and time again that she won’t accept anything even approaching equality or justice for Palestinians.

“Our government [in Britain] should have refused her ambassadorship when she was appointed, and they should condemn her now.”

Foreign Secretary David Cameron called Ms Hotovely’s rejection “disappointing” and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed that Britain still supported a two-state solution.

“Long-term security for Israel requires there to be a Palestine as well, we should not put too much weight on one interview,” Lord Cameron said.

Local actions are once again taking place across Britain on Saturday to demand a ceasefire in Gaza.

Calling on the public to take part, STWC said: “The unprecedented bombardment of Gaza and intensifying occupation in the West Bank means that we cannot relent in our call for peace and justice for Palestine.”

Health Workers for Palestine, a group of medical professionals in Britain, will also be taking part in a silent procession tomorrow from 4PM at Westminster Bridge, in front of St Thomas’s Hospital.

A full list of protests can be found on the campaign groups’ websites.