LONDON(Correspondent LP)-Pro-Palestinian demonstrators are set to rally near the Israeli embassy for the second time since the October 7 attacks. Anticipated to draw between 200,000 and 250,000 individuals, the demonstration in central London is organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, as stated by a spokesperson.
Around 1,500 police officers from forces across the UK will be on public order duties during the demonstration.
The protesters will assemble south of Marble Arch at 1.30pm and march along Park Lane, Knightsbridge and Kensington Road until they reach Kensington Court, where they will hear speeches.
The speakers will address the crowd near the Israeli embassy and they have to finish by 5pm, while the protesters have to disperse by 6pm, according to the police. The Met said that some people might question why the protest was allowed to take place so close to the embassy, but that it was a “common misconception” that the police had the power to grant or deny permission for a protest.
A previous rally was held near the embassy on October 9.
The Met added that there was no “real risk of serious disorder” that would justify asking the Home Secretary to ban the protest, as recent demonstrations had been peaceful and Saturday’s was expected to be the same.
The police will enforce a 100m buffer zone around the embassy grounds, where protesters will be arrested if they cross the barriers.
The police have also taken measures to protect other sensitive locations, such as synagogues, along the route or near the start.
The protesters must follow the route set by Section 12 of the Public Order Act and cannot set up any gazebos or stalls in a designated area at Marble Arch.
The police will review the use of additional powers as needed.
The police will also watch out for any offensive signs or banners and monitor the demonstration through CCTV.
Commander Kyle Gordon, the head of the policing operation, said: “Our role is to make sure the protests are lawful, cause minimal disruption to the wider public, and take into account the impact on London’s communities and those who are most vulnerable in the current situation.
The police have taken into account the peaceful nature of the protests since October and hope to see the same on Saturday.
However, they have also encountered offences involving placards and hate speech, which they condemn as criminal and harmful to community relations.
They urge the protesters to respect the law and the safety of others on Saturday, and warn that they will act against those who do not.
The death toll in Gaza has reached 28,663 since Israel launched its military operation in October after the October 7 attacks, where militants killed 1,200 people and held 250 hostage.
Israel is facing calls not to send ground troops to Rafah on the Egyptian border, where many Gazans have fled from the fighting.
PSC director Ben Jamal said: “We have witnessed unthinkable horrors at every stage of Israel’s genocidal attack on Gaza.
“The world should be haunted by the images of Israel’s bombing of Rafah, where children were mutilated.
“Despite the pressure from world leaders, and the ICJ ruling, the Israeli government is preparing to attack Rafah and cause more bloodshed.
“The moral and legal imperatives are clear.
“A ceasefire is urgently and absolutely needed.
“The UK must comply with its obligations under the Genocide Convention and stop any complicity.
“Our government and opposition have failed miserably in their leadership and principles.
“They have sided with the perpetrators of genocide over the victims, and over international law.
“We, along with most people in the UK, will hold them accountable on our marches, protests, campaigns and in the polls.”
