Home Secretary Suella Braverman has taken a tough line on the tens of thousands of protesters who have gathered in London since the Hamas group’s Oct. 7 attack on Israel, calling them “hate marches” and “mobs” that threaten the Jewish community.
Increasing the tension, police have said they expect a large rally on Saturday Nov. 11, the anniversary of the end of World War One, prompting fears that counter-protesters will also descend on the capital, which could lead to violence.
While there has been little overt violence, banners appearing to celebrate the cross-border Hamas attack - in which 1,400 Israelis were killed, mainly civilians - have been seen and the chant of “From the river to the sea” heard, a pro-Palestinian rallying cry that is viewed by many Jews as antisemitic and calling for Israel’s eradication.
Even those on the right-wing of the party said she should be more careful with her language, saying the reference to Northern Ireland would alienate those who held civil rights marches and pro-British Loyalist rallies in the past.
Neil Basu, a former senior London police officer, said the political criticism could increase the likelihood of counter protesters turning up, raising the risk of violence.
Organisers have said they do not plan to march in London on Sunday Nov. 12 when political leaders join King Charles and members of the military to remember those who have died in war at a sombre annual ceremony.
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