A pro-Palestinian demonstration – ‘The Great March for Gaza’ – left Lurgan shortly after 8am with more than 1,000 participants and arrived in Scarva a little after 1pm – where a counter-protest gathered on the opposite side of the Newry Canal.
While verbals were thrown across the water, the stand-off passed largely without serious incident.
However, the policing operation – including the deployment of riot units and water cannon – has prompted sharp criticism from a number of Unionist representatives, who accused the PSNI of “two-tier policing”.
DUP MP Carla Lockhart, who was present in Scarva, said she had attended to “monitor the contentious march as it passed the village” and claimed parade organisers had broken Parades Commission restrictions.
“It was interesting to note the breach of the determination by the Parades Commission that no flags or banners would be on display as it passed Scarva,” she said.
“Not only were Palestinian flags noted on the parade but also a highly offensive banner proclaiming ‘From the River to the Sea’. This should be treated as a hate crime given its meaning is to exterminate the land of Israel and its inhabitants from off the face of the earth.”
Ms Lockhart was strongly critical of the police response in the village.
“The policing operation started badly, and deteriorated, only serving to inflame tensions,” she continued.
“At one point, for no apparent reason, the police decided to charge the crowd, as I was talking to people and ensuring tensions were not inflamed. I was jostled by the police in their haste to engage.
“At this point the police sensibly pulled back, whilst bringing water cannons to the fore of their operation. I will be speaking with senior officers in the coming days to understand why these decisions were made which, rather than deterring any problems, only served to heighten tensions.”
The Upper Bann MP said she was “thankful for the presence of colleagues and other Unionist representatives who deescalated what was an unnecessarily volatile situation”.
“I also want to thank local community representatives who were on the ground throughout the day. Those who worked tirelessly to help calm the situation and prevent further escalation know who they are, and their efforts are greatly appreciated. Well done to the protestors for their dignified actions,” she added.
DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley, who joined counter-protesters in both Portadown and Scarva, similarly defended those who opposed the march and criticised elements of the demonstration.
“Today, with colleagues, I stood alongside good, decent, law-abiding citizens in Portadown and Scarva,” he said.
“Despite many attempts to portray them as troublemakers and rioters, they lawfully and peacefully voiced their objections to a parade whose primary purpose was to provoke.
“Last year it was a Hamas flag; this year it was the antisemitic banner, ‘From the River to the Sea’. The message is clear: we do not want it.”
TUV councillor Keith Ratcliffe also praised local residents and questioned the scale and tone of the PSNI operation.
He commended the people of Scarva for their conduct but “slammed” the policing of the event, raising concerns about the presence of riot police and the perceived risk of inflaming tensions rather than calming them.
He said he believed the deployment of such resources was almost an attempt to “escalate the situation”.
Despite the heated verbals across the Newry Canal, the march and counter-protest concluded without major disorder.
Unionist representatives have nevertheless indicated they will be seeking meetings with senior PSNI officers in the coming days to raise what they describe as ongoing concerns about “two-tier policing” and the handling of contentious parades and protests in the area.
Meanwhile, the organisers of the Great March for Gaza wanted to get the message out that they were marching for peace and justice for the people of Palestine.
Sinn Féin Councillor Sarah Duffy, who joined the pro-Palestine march, said: “Proud to have joined the Great March for Gaza today, walking 40km from Lurgan in solidarity with the people of Palestine and in support of peace, justice and humanity.
“The incredible turnout and determination of everyone taking part is a powerful reminder that ordinary people can raise their voices against suffering and stand together for those who need our support most.
“As the march continues on towards Omeath, I want to wish every participant safe travels and strength for the miles ahead.”
