Over £32 million spent on policing Gaza protests in London, with a significant march by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign expected to draw large crowds this weekend.
Over £32 million has been spent on policing the Gaza protests in London since October 7, as disclosed by the Metropolitan Police. This expenditure comes ahead of a planned march by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), expected to draw “hundreds of thousands” of participants this weekend. The police force has deployed 35,464 officer shifts and cancelled more than 5,200 rest days to manage the demonstrations up to this point.
The Metropolitan Police’s Commander Karen Findlay has warned that individuals engaging in criminal behavior during the protests will be promptly dealt with. The protests have stoked concerns regarding rising tensions between London’s Jewish and Muslim communities, amidst fears of potential hate crimes.
Ben Jamal, director of the PSC, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to continue advocating for an end to the Gaza conflict and the UK’s involvement in what he terms the oppression of Palestinians. Meanwhile, counter-protester Itai Galmudy expressed concerns for the Jewish community’s safety in London, attributing the pro-Palestine rallies as having evolved into anti-Israel demonstrations. Galmudy highlighted the necessity for peaceful coexistence, adherence to law, and the importance of democratic rights and accountability during such societal protests.
The situation underscores a challenging period for London, with the need for a peaceful and law-abiding environment amidst escalating tensions between community groups being emphasized by all involved.
