Coinciding with the anniversary of October 7, thousands of pro-Palestine demonstrators in the streets of London

Tel Aviv - Ofoq News - Today, Saturday, the British capital, London, witnessed a massive demonstration in which thousands of pro-Palestine demonstrators participated, the number of whom ranged between 7,000 and 10,000 people, according to police estimates, under the slogan “Stop Genocide,” coinciding with the third anniversary of the events of October 7, 2023.

Maariv newspaper reported that the London Metropolitan Police deployed reinforced numbers of its members and imposed strict and unusual restrictions on the course and time of the demonstration, in anticipation of unrest, in light of what it described as high security sensitivity and potential tensions, amid growing fears among members of the Jewish community in Britain.

The demonstration began at 12 noon local time from the Embankment area, under tight security surveillance, and the participants adhered to a specific route that included Westminster Bridge, York Street, Waterloo Bridge, and Strand Street, arriving at a gathering in the Whitehall area.

The police set a deadline of 5:30 p.m. for all speeches and music to end, and the gathering must completely disband by 6:30 p.m.

In parallel with the main march, the “Stop Hate” group organized a counter-demonstration in front of the New Scotland Yard building, under the slogan “The system of double standards ends here,” and imposed time restrictions requiring it to end at two-thirty in the afternoon.

It is expected that a number of public figures will participate in the main gathering, including the independent British MP and former leader of the Labor Party, Jeremy Corbyn, known for his pro-Palestinian stances, and the actor and social activist Khaled Abdullah, along with Andrea Egan, Secretary General of the “Unisun” trade union, which represents the participation of trade unions in the demonstration.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police Carl Galvin, who was in charge of the security operation over the weekend, stressed that police would not tolerate serious disturbances.

The police explained that they had activated special powers under Article 60AA of the law, related to monitoring the use of face coverings and masks and enforcing the restrictions associated with them.

The police warned that it would deal firmly with gatherings that include people who hide their faces with the aim of concealing their identities, intimidating others, or committing hate crimes and criminal violations, stressing the adoption of a zero-tolerance policy towards these practices.

The demonstration comes at a time when official travel warnings continue, calling on Israelis and members of Jewish communities abroad to be cautious, enhance vigilance, and avoid hot spots of friction and protest gatherings.