Massive Turnout Expected at Pro-Palestinian March in London on Saturday

A pro-Palestinian march, expected to draw “hundreds of thousands” of protesters, is scheduled to occur in London on Saturday. The Metropolitan Police has raised concerns over the impact of months of protests, causing “fear and uncertainty” in Jewish communities.

Organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), the pro-Palestinian march will convene at Parliament Square at 12 p.m. and commence half an hour later, following a route that culminates at Hyde Park for speeches.

The PSC anticipates a turnout of “hundreds of thousands” for the event.

The pro-Israel group, Enough is Enough, will hold a stationary demonstration simultaneously on Pall Mall, along the route of the pro-Palestinian march.

This marks the 13th national protest by the PSC since the first demonstration on October 9, 2023.

The Metropolitan Police stated that these protests since October 7, 2023, have incurred approximately £38.4 million in costs, necessitating 44,722 officer shifts and the cancellation of 6,399 officer rest days.

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Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist expressed the agency’s commitment to policing “without fear or favour,” highlighting that the demonstrations in London have generated “fear and uncertainty” within Jewish communities.

He observed that these events have led some Jewish individuals to avoid central London on protest days, alter their behavior, and take precautions.

A third demonstration organized by the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) was scheduled for Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. but was called off the day before.

The cancellation of the “walk together” event, expected to draw thousands, was attributed to threats and the presence of “hostile actors” posing a risk to Jewish safety.

Mr. Twist added: “I understand some believe banning these protests is the solution. However, the threshold for such a decision is very high and demands a risk of significant public disorder, a scenario not seen during this period or in recent years.”

The Metropolitan Police disclosed that each protest would be subject to conditions under the Public Order Act, determining the permissible areas for protesters.

The PSC march must adhere to a predetermined route via Whitehall, Piccadilly, and Park Lane, with restrictions on entering areas near the Israeli Embassy close to Hyde Park.

The smaller Enough is Enough demonstration is confined to a designated area in Pall Mall.

Both protests are required to conclude by 5 p.m., as outlined by the Metropolitan Police.

The canceled CAA event was a response to threats directed at the organization’s founder, Gideon Falter, during a pro-Palestinian protest earlier in the month, where he was singled out for being “openly Jewish.”

The Metropolitan Police indicated that the event might be rescheduled for a later date.

According to the police, 415 arrests have been made during protests, including 193 for anti-Semitic offenses and 15 related to terrorism, primarily for alleged support of Hamas, a proscribed group in the UK.

Ben Jamal, the director of the PSC, articulated that the march is driven by a commitment to the dignity and rights of all individuals.

He further stated: “As mass graves of Palestinians are uncovered in Gaza, the plea for an immediate ceasefire and cessation of weapons sales to Israel now garners support across the political spectrum and among a significant portion of the British public.

“The participants in the march understand that they are aligned with the right side of history.”