Gaza protesters failing to confront antisemitism, warns UK’s Michael Gove

LONDON — The organizers of U.K. marches protesting Israel’s actions in Gaza must do more to call out anti-Jewish abuse, a senior government minister will warn Tuesday.

In a speech in London, Communities Secretary Michael Gove will say that, despite good intentions among many demonstrators, they risk standing “side-by-side with those who are promoting hate.”

“Many of those on these marches are thoughtful, gentle, compassionate people — driven by a desire for peace and an end to suffering. But they are side by side with those who are promoting hate,” Gove will say, according to extracts briefed by his office.

“The organizers of these marches could do everything in their power to stop that. They don’t,” Gove will add.

Since the October 7 attacks on Israel last year, London has seen large-scale protest marches against Israel’s reprisal campaign against Hamas. The main London marches currently take place every fortnight, amid a mounting civilian death toll and worsening humanitarian picture in Gaza.

While most marches have passed without incident, protesters’ use of the chant “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” has been criticized and the Metropolitan Police has faced scrutiny over its handling of the rallies.

Some U.K. Conservatives, including the Home Secretary James Cleverly, have called on protesters to call off the marches entirely, while Gove has previously suggested “extremist organizations” are behind some demos.

Protesters’ use of the chant “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” has been criticized. | Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Demonstrations have also hit U.K. university campuses in recent weeks, although they have not been marked by the same clashes between police and protesters as seen in the United States.

In his speech, Gove will warn against a rise in antisemitism as the Gaza conflict rages.

“When Jewish people are under threat, all our freedoms are threatened,” he will say. “The safety of the Jewish community is the canary in the mine. Growing antisemitism is a fever which weakens the whole body politic.”

Gove’s speech comes as John Woodcock, an independent government adviser and former Labour MP, publishes a report Tuesday on political violence and disruption that is expected to heavily focus on protests about the conflict.