Thousands are expected to gather in London for a pro-Palestine rally demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This marks the fifth significant demonstration in the city this year, organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC). The march is set to begin at Hyde Park Corner and conclude at the US embassy in Nine Elms. This event coincides with International Women’s Weekend, which will also see the Million Women Rise demonstration at Trafalgar Square.

The Metropolitan Police, led by Met commander Karen Findlay, have planned to deploy numerous officers to oversee the event. They aim to ensure public safety while balancing the right to protest, amidst concerns over antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate crimes. The police have specified routes and rules under the Public Order Act 2023, mandating that demonstrators disperse by 5 pm to avoid enforcement actions. Policing efforts come in light of statements from Dame Sara Khan, an adviser on social cohesion, arguing against labeling protestors as extremists. This follows criticism from former home secretary Suella Braverman who branded the pro-Palestine marches as “hate marches” and comments from government counter-extremism commissioner Robin Simcox about the creation of perceived no-go zones for Jews in London due to the protests.

The background to these events is the ongoing conflict in Gaza, initiated by a Hamas attack in October, which has resulted in over 30,000 Palestinian fatalities, mostly women and children, due to Israeli airstrikes. The London protests aim to draw attention to this escalating situation, with participants demanding action while the Metropolitan Police and organizers stress the importance of peaceful and lawful demonstration.