On June 7, 2026, the Great March for Gaza, organized by the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, traveled from Lurgan to Newry along a canal towpath, passing near Scarva, County Down. The Parades Commission permitted the march with conditions prohibiting entry into Scarva, while allowing a counter-protest on Scarva Bridge under restrictions. A heavy PSNI presence, including water cannons and armored vehicles, enforced these conditions, blocking several bridges. This led counter-protesters, including DUP MP Carla Lockhart, to gather near a housing development across from the march route. Lockhart was photographed near masked individuals and defended her presence as an effort to de-escalate tensions, a view supported by DUP leader Gavin Robinson. However, she faced criticism from Sinn Féin, Alliance, and SDLP leaders, who accused her of associating with intimidation. March organizers reported being subjected to abuse and having to walk through slurry spread on the road. The National Union of Journalists expressed concern over intimidation of media covering the event. While Lockhart and DUP allies claim their intervention prevented violence, critics argue political figures legitimized a hostile demonstration.

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