The demonstrations come two days after the far-left Green Party approved a resolution defining Zionism as racism.
By Shula Rosen
London’s Metropolitan Police will allow pro-Hamas demonstrations to proceed Wednesday, marking on the third anniversary of the Oct. 7 massacre in Israel, despite “serious concerns” about potential unrest and the impact on Jewish students and faculty members.
The protests were requested by pro-Palestinian organizations for the anniversary of the Hamas attack, in which terrorists invaded Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
Police said they lack the authority to prohibit the demonstrations under the circumstances and could seek a ban from the Home Secretary only if officers determined that the threat of serious disorder could not otherwise be controlled.
“We do not have the power to ban protests, and we can only ask the Home Secretary to do so if the risk of serious disorder is so high that it cannot be managed through the imposition of conditions. That is not the case here.”
Senior Metropolitan Police officer James Harman nevertheless said during a briefing at Scotland Yard that “serious concerns” had been raised about the demonstrations, citing both their timing and the proposed route between major academic institutions in the British capital.
Harman said particular concern centered on the potential effect on students and faculty members, especially Jews. Police have publicly urged organizers to alter their plans.
Efforts by officers to discuss the event with those behind it have also encountered difficulties, Harman said. Police have struggled to identify an organizer willing to assume formal responsibility for the demonstration.
The Labour government has registered no opposition to the protests being held.
The demonstrations come two days after the far-left Green Party approved a resolution defining Zionism as racism.
The measure passed by a vote of 1,022 in favor to 813 against, establishing an explicitly anti-Zionist position.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!