National March for Palestine: Police issue arrest warning as strict conditions placed on major London protest

The Metropolitan Police have imposed strict conditions on the a huge Pro-Palestine march being held in central London on Saturday.

Up to 10,000 people are expected to attend the National March for Palestine marking three years since the start of the war in Gaza.

The Met Police said on Friday it had imposed strict conditions on the protest, organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, in a bid to “minimise the risk of serious disruption to communities.”

It has warned anyone wearing face-coverings they face arrest and there will be a zero tolerance approach to hate crime and other offences.

Protesters march along Whitehall during a National March for Palestine on January 31

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Meanwhile a counter pro-Israel Stop the Hate demonstration is also planned. The Metropolitan Police said it is considering whether to impose conditions on the protest and is in dialogue with the organisers.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Carl Galvin, who is leading the policing operation this weekend, said: “Ahead of the protest we have been in constructive discussion with the Palestine Coalition, as well as partners, residents, businesses, faith and community groups. We know Saturday’s event, so close to the third anniversary of the terror attack on Israel, has the potential to have a greater impact on communities than the previous national marches.

“The Met’s aim is to protect the lawful right to protest while minimising the impact on those who live, work and visit London. Our policing presence on the day will be significant, with conditions imposed on the events.”

Protesters attend a counter-protest by 'Stop the Hate' during a pro-Palestinian student march on October 7 in central London

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He warned officers had powers to arrest anyone covering their face and pushed back on claims of‘two tier’ policing over face coverings.

He said on some occasions “an arrest may not be the most appropriate course of action in that moment. This is not ‘two-tier policing’ - it is officers exercising professional judgement and acting proportionately based on the facts before them.”

Organisers of the National March for Palestine are calling for an immediate end to military action in Gaza, a complete halt to UK arms exports to Israel and the introduction of sanctions.

Coaches are being organised from cities across the UK, including Bristol, Manchester and Coventry, to bring demonstrators to central London for the major protest.

Anyone participating in the event must remain within the red shaded area of Embankment on the map until such time as the procession commences along the prescribed route.

Protesters must stay within the marked area of embankment until the march begins

Met Police

Anyone participating in the procession must not deviate from the route specified on the map below, namely Victoria Embankment, Westminster Bridge, York Road, Waterloo Bridge, Strand, Whitehall.

Protesters must stick to the prescribed route

Met Police

When a rally is held in Whitehall at the end of the march, anyone participating must remain within the red shaded area on the map below.

Anyone at the rally must stay within the parts of Whitehall marked in red

Met Police

Any speeches or music as part of the assembly must conclude by 5.30pm, and the rally conclude by 6.30pm.