Thousands expected to join pro-Palestine protest – as cops line the streets & demonstrators are warned to avoid area
THOUSANDS are expected to join a pro-Palestine protest with cops lining the streets and demonstrators warned to avoid the area.
The Metropolitan Police have deployed more than 1,000 officers to patrol the area during the march.
Thousands of people are expected to march in solidarity with Palestine and demand Israel ends its occupation of Palestinian land, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
The latest Israel-Hamas war has claimed at least 3,200 lives on both sides since Hamas launched an unprecedented surprise attack on October 7.
Starting at Portland Place at 12pm, protesters will march through London before finishing in Whitehall at about 3pm.
But Scotland Yard said those who deviate from a designated route during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in central London could face arrest.
A Met Police statement said: “Any person participating in or associated with the ‘Palestine Solidarity Campaign’ protest must not deviate from the route below or they may be subject to arrest.”
It comes after the former chief of terror group Hamas Khaled Meshaal called for a global day of rage against supporters of Israel wherever they are in the world.
Scotland Yard are prepared for unrest in the capital as rising tensions in the Middle East threatens to spark violence in Britain.
Metropolitan Police deputy assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor said a “very significant policing operation” was in place with more than a thousand officers dedicated to patrolling vulnerable locations.
The DAC said that the UK counter terrorism network is looking into risks that may be created by such statements and whether that “increases the likelihood of any attacks”.
But Mr Taylor added that there had been no increase in the UK threat level which remains at “substantial” – meaning an attack is likely.
Cops pointed out that expressing support for the Palestinian people more broadly, including flying the Palestinian flag, does not in itself constitute a criminal offence.
But a spokesperson said there were situations where a flag or banner, or the use of specific words or phrases, could be seen as intimidation, or even constitute intending to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told cops they have his full backing to throw the book at anyone glorifying terrorism – amid a 400 per cent increase in antisemitic attacks last week.
Mr Taylor revealed police recorded 105 antisemitic incidents in London over the past two weeks, a more than seven-fold increase compared to the same period last year when there were 14.
Protest liaison teams have been working with organisers to determine what will and will not be acceptable for the Met and how the events can be carried out safely.