The Metropolitan (London) Police have announced a revised route for Saturday's controversial Gaza march called in reaction to the emerging hostage deal, redirecting it away from a central London synagogue.
This decision follows long-standing concerns within the Jewish community about disruptions caused by previous marches near central London synagogues. The protest, initially set to start at Portland Place near the Central Synagogue on Shabbat, had sparked widespread unease.
Under the new plan, demonstrators will gather in Russell Square and march along a different route via Kingsway, Aldwych, and the Strand, concluding in Whitehall. The police have warned that anyone breaching the restrictions near Portland Place on Saturday will be subject to arrest.
Metropolitan Police Commander Adam Slonecki stated, "We don’t want to have to arrest people, but we have the resources to do so, including on a large scale, if necessary."
This shift comes after Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) director Ben Jamal indicated that his group would proceed with its planned march from Whitehall to the BBC, near Central Synagogue, regardless of police orders to disperse. Ismail Patel, Chairman of Friends of Al-Aqsa, one of the groups organizing the march, vowed to participate "even if it means going to prison."
The PSC will now be required to comply with the new route or face potential arrest.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews has praised the police's actions. Vice President Andrew Gilbert expressed gratitude, saying, "We commend the Met for its high level of cultural sensitivity, their thorough impact assessment, and their willingness to listen to both national and local Jewish representatives when determining the route."
* The Jewish Chronicle contributed to this article.
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