The Metropolitan Police is gearing up for a major operation in London as a pro-Palestine march is set to take place ahead of the October 7 attacks anniversary.
Thousands of members from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) will march from Russell Square to Whitehall on Saturday, with a counter-protest by Stop the Hate along the same route. On Sunday, Jewish groups will hold a memorial in Hyde Park.
Officers have issued a stern warning about hate crime and support for proscribed organisations ahead of the planned events. The Met emphasised that showing support for banned groups like Hamas and Hezbollah is illegal and could lead to arrest.
Antisemitic and Islamophobic offences have surged in the past year. Police stress that while most protesters act lawfully, some behaviour has crossed from political speech into hate speech.
Commander Lou Puddefoot, leading the operation, said: "Protests and related events have become a feature of the 12 months since the appalling terrorist attacks in Israel almost a year ago. We have policed them without fear or favour, ensuring that lawful protest has been allowed to take place but intervening where the line has been crossed into criminality."
She added: "We recognise that as we go into this weekend, so close to the anniversary of October 7th, emotions will be heightened and fears about safety and security understandably increased. Officers have been in regular contact with event organisers. We have detailed plans in place to ensure the safety of those attending and to be able to respond to any incidents or offences.
“Officers have been in regular contact with event organisers. We have detailed plans in place to ensure the safety of those attending and to be able to respond to any incidents or offences.
“We are also working closely with key partners in communities to provide advice, reassurance and a visible presence particularly in those areas where we know fears are heightened.
“I would urge anyone who sees or hears something suspicious, no matter how small, to tell us. Call 101, or 999 in an emergency. If you are at an event and there are officers there, please raise your concerns with them. They are there to help, to reassure and to keep you safe.”
It comes after eight people were arrested last month as pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched through central London in protest at the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The Metropolitan Police said that six of the arrests related to people participating in the march for racially aggravated public order offences with signs and a gesture, criminal damage and assault.
The two other people arrested were counter-protesters held on suspicion of breach of the peace and assaulting police officers, the force said.
