Thousands are expected to take part in London’s ‘March for Palestine’ this Saturday, October 14. The event, organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, will see demonstrators gather in Central London for a major protest.
The organisers have secured a Section 12 (3) Public Order Act 1986 order for the march route, which has put the Metropolitan Police on high alert. This order comes into effect at midday on Saturday and strictly prohibits any deviation from the approved path.
Protesters must follow the designated route starting from Portland Place, proceeding down Regent’s Street, passing through Piccadilly and Trafalgar Square, and concluding in Whitehall. Anyone who strays from this route risks arrest by police.
In addition to the Section 12 (3) order, a Section 14 (3) order has been issued banning all assemblies in a specified area of Kensington High Street. Barriers will be set up to clearly mark this zone, and any attempt to gather there in relation to the Palestine protest will result in immediate arrest.
The heightened policing measures come amid escalating tensions following the recent deadly Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in over 1,300 deaths. Israel responded with airstrikes on Gaza, causing more than 1,500 fatalities. The United Nations and various charities have warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis in the region.
“We expect thousands to descend on central London,” said the Metropolitan Police in a statement released on Friday. “Our priority is to support peaceful protest while keeping everyone safe.”
Security concerns remain high, as demonstrated by the recent arrest of a 22-year-old woman in Brighton by counter-terror police. She was detained on suspicion of supporting Hamas during a protest last Sunday, underscoring ongoing security issues linked to the conflict.
Originally published by UKNIP.
