Met urges students to postpone planned march on 7 October attacks anniversary
London’s Metropolitan Police have urged students to reschedule a pro-Palestinian march planned for the third anniversary of the 7 October Hamas attacks, saying the date should be one of mourning and reflection. Police say they have been unable to identify anyone willing to take responsibility for organising it, and warn they will take a robust approach if it goes ahead.
About 300 students are expected to march between four London universities, calling for an end to what organisers describe as genocide in Gaza. Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman said officers had contacted universities and others to find the organisers and raised concerns about the impact on Jewish students and staff; the Met says the event has not been permitted but will be policed. The article says the anniversary marks attacks in which more than 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage.
- The Met has asked students to move the planned 7 October march.
- Around 300 students are expected to take part.
- Police say they cannot find anyone accepting responsibility for organising it.
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On 7 October 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel killed more than 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken. Israel's subsequent military response in Gaza has caused significant Palestinian casualties and widespread displacement. The anniversary has become a sensitive date, marking both remembrance of those killed in the attacks and broader tensions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Pro-Palestinian student demonstrations calling for an end to Israeli military operations in Gaza have become increasingly common on university campuses. Student organisers often describe the situation using the term "genocide", a characterisation disputed by Israel and its supporters. These demonstrations reflect deep divisions among students, staff and communities about the conflict and its resolution.
The planned march on 7 October has become contentious because different communities view the date differently. Some see it as a day primarily for mourning those killed in the Hamas attacks, whilst others view it as a time to highlight Palestinian suffering in Gaza. This clash between different understandings of how the anniversary should be marked underlies current tensions around the planned demonstration.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Met urge students to call off October 7 protests – and vow to take robust stance on ‘a day of mourning and reflection’ – but can’t find the organisers involved”.