London Police Urge Students to Cancel Pro-Palestine Protest on October 7 Anniversary

London police are urging students to cancel a pro-Palestinian protest planned for Wednesday, the third anniversary of the October 7th attacks, citing serious concerns about the event's impact on students and staff, particularly those who are Jewish.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner for operations James Harman stated that the Metropolitan Police have vowed to take a 'robust' stance if the protest proceeds on the designated day of remembrance. "I don't think it is the right day to be holding that event," Harman said.

Despite significant efforts, the police have struggled to identify the organizers responsible for advertising the march on social media, a group referred to as the "shadowy University of London Coalition." "Finding the organisers, frankly, has so far proved difficult," Harman admitted, appealing for them to make contact urgently to reconsider the date.

An estimated 300 students are expected to participate in the march, which is advertised with the aim to "demand an end to the Palestinian genocide." Police are asking participants to "reflect on the impact and distress it will cause on this very significant day, and exercise your right to protest on a different date."

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The planned demonstration has drawn condemnation from Jewish organizations and politicians. Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, called the decision to protest on October 7th "a disgusting attack on the memory of the victims of Hamas and those still grieving." Raphi Leon, president of the Union of Jewish Students, described the timing as "outrageous," adding, "There are 365 days of the year. The decision to protest on this day is provocative, deliberate and must be condemned to the fullest extent."

Education Secretary Lucy Powell echoed these sentiments, stating that October 7th should be marked with "deep mourning for those who lost their lives and those who were victims of that terrible Hamas attack."

The protest is scheduled to begin at King's College London and proceed to the London School of Economics, the School of Oriental and African Studies, and conclude at University College London. This follows a similar march held on the second anniversary of the attacks, which then-Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described as "un-British."

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Deputy Assistant Commissioner Harman also noted that this march, along with another pro-Palestinian protest planned for Saturday, October 10, and potential disorder related to the upcoming Holborn and St Pancras by-election, could "fuel further tensions" in London. He emphasized that while the Met has no desire to engage in politics or take sides, they have a clear role in preventing serious disorder, violence, and hate crime.

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Israel has faced accusations of genocide for its retaliatory bombing campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in thousands of Palestinian deaths. Incidents of antisemitic attacks have reportedly increased across various settings since October 7th.