London Police Urge Postponement of Pro-Palestinian March Near Jewish Anniversary

The Metropolitan Police in London has requested that organizers of a pro-Palestinian demonstration scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, select a different date. In a public appeal made Friday, police expressed "serious concerns" about the potential impact of the rally on Jewish students and university staff, as they would be commemorating the third anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel. The march is planned to begin at noon from King's College London and proceed to University College London, organized by the University of London Coalition, which comprises pro-Palestinian student groups from several London institutions. The organizers aim to protest Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip.

Police official James Harman stated at a press briefing at Scotland Yard that the date and route, connecting two major academic institutions, are particularly sensitive. He urged organizers and participants to consider the distress the demonstration might cause within the Jewish community. Harman noted that police have faced difficulties identifying a specific individual willing to take official responsibility for the event. Student groups' promotional materials call for a free Palestine "from the river to the sea" and characterize the Gaza war as part of "78 years of genocide." Some posters also feature a red triangle, a symbol associated with Hamas videos in recent years.

Scotland Yard has written to four universities attended by students linked to the coalition, asking their administrations to ensure Jewish students and staff can study and work without feeling threatened, excluded, or targeted. The letters acknowledge the importance of freedom of expression and peaceful protest but cite data from the Community Security Trust, a British Jewish community protection organization, indicating that antisemitic incidents in universities remain significantly higher than before October 2023.

If the organizers proceed with the march, police stated they would implement measures to limit disruption and intimidation risks, clarifying that a demonstration cannot be canceled solely based on its date or political message. However, conditions regarding the route, timing, and conduct can be imposed if there is a risk of serious disorder, significant disruption, or public intimidation. Hundreds of police officers are expected to be deployed in London throughout the week to manage various gatherings. Scotland Yard announced a "zero tolerance" approach to hate crimes, incitement to violence, and support for terrorist organizations.

Another pro-Palestinian demonstration is scheduled for Saturday, October 10, in central London, which police anticipate could draw up to 10,000 participants. The Metropolitan Police estimate that 35 major demonstrations organized by Palestine Coalition groups since October 2023 have incurred approximately £26.6 million in direct expenses, with total costs, including redeployed officers, reaching around £90 million.