'Enhanced police presence' for silent march in support of Palestine

A silent march for Gaza and those suffering in Palestine is taking place in St Peter Port this lunchtime.

Organisers have said there won't be any shouting or material promoting Hamas or Hezbollah, but Guernsey Police plan to have additional officers available to "ensure public safety".

It comes after Hamas agreed to release Israeli hostages and hand over power to other Palestinians.

The movement welcomed international efforts to end the fighting, agreed in principle to release all hostages, and said it is prepared to begin negotiations on the details of an agreement.

It also renewed its commitment to handing over administration of Gaza to a committee of Palestinian technocrats formed by national consensus and backed by Arab and Islamic states.

But Hamas made no mention of disarmament, avoided any pledge to withdraw permanently from governing, and linked any hostage deal to a complete Israeli withdrawal.

While UK police forces have called for protests to be delayed or cancelled after the Manchester synagogue terror attack, Guernsey Police say they won't interrupt a planned protest in support of Palestine.

Deputy Chief Officer, Richard Bell, told Island FM: "Our thoughts are with everyone affected by yesterday’s appalling terrorist incident at a synagogue in Manchester.

"In Guernsey, we work hard to engage with all our communities to ensure they are supported by police. Meetings have and will continue to take place with our Jewish community to provide the reassurance and support necessary, in light of this attack.

"We have and continue to positively engage with the organisers of tomorrow’s event ‘Guernsey Friends of Palestine’. It is not the role of the Police to comment or stop a lawful protest, instead our role is to ensure event organisers understand their responsibilities and the attendee’s act within the law while maintaining the public peace.

"We are continuing to monitor the situation locally and nationally and will be providing an enhanced policing presence tomorrow alongside appropriate measures to ensure public safety. As ever we ask for the support of our communities to see beyond their differences and work with us so that we all feel safe."

The demonstration is planned to begin at the Sunken Gardens at 11:30 on Saturday 4 October.