London braces for a vital gathering this Saturday as thousands of pro-Palestinian supporters are set to rally for a ceasefire in Gaza. The protest, originating in Russell Square and concluding at Trafalgar Square, has prompted police warnings of “swift and decisive action” against unlawful acts.
High-profile figures, including Khalid Abdalla and Alexei Sayle, are slated to address the crowd. The Metropolitan Police, led by Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine, has orchestrated an elaborate security arrangement to accommodate the influx of Easter weekend activities, including religious ceremonies, sports events, and protests.
Pro-Palestine protesters (Credits: The Guardian)
The Rolling Thunder veterans’ motorcade and the prestigious Oxbridge Boat Race will also demand police attention. The rally, organized by the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, comes in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, ignited by Hamas’s attack on Israel last October, resulting in big casualties and abductions.
The subsequent Israeli military response has further escalated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Policing the Gaza-related demonstrations has proven costly, with expenses exceeding £32 million, demanding extensive officer deployment and operational adjustments.
Amidst concerns of heightened tension and potential for hate crimes, especially towards Jewish and Muslim communities, the Met has engaged with community leaders to assure safety. It has emphasized a strong police presence at places of worship throughout the weekend.
Pro-Palestinian (Credits: The Times of Israel)
Ben Jamal, director of the PSC, anticipates a large turnout for the march, calling on international leaders to address what he describes as “Israel’s genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza.”
He urges the UK government to suspend arms export licenses to Israel and to reinstate funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency to avert a potential famine in Gaza.
