Police patrols have been stepped up in London after videos emerged of people appearing to celebrate the attack on Israel, which a Government minister said was “glorifying the terrorist activities of Hamas”.
Scotland Yard was urged to intervene by immigration minister Robert Jenrick, as he shared a video posted on social media by Countdown presenter Rachel Riley after Hamas launched its biggest attack in years on Israel.
On Saturday evening, Riley posted on social media: “I just passed two cars in West London driving with Palestinian flags flying from each window, bouncing up and down in their cars, seemingly celebrating like they were having a party. Make no mistake, this is a dangerous and terrifying time for all Jews around the world.”
She later posted a video which showed people waving Palestinian flags, beeping car horns and clapping and said: “Acton, half an hour ago. Popped into a cafe for some baklava with the kids and our Ukrainian friends. People have been brutally murdered, kidnapped and there are people in London dancing.
“Just had a reassuring call with the police, if anyone is scared, please call them.” She added on the social media site: “Most people understand this is an abomination. No-one should cheer war and death.” Prominent barrister Charlotte Proudman also posted a video of a car with Palestinian flags sounding its horn.
She wrote: “Celebrating the murders and kidnapping of Israelis is quite possibly the most heinous act of public hate I have seen on the streets of London.” Mr Jenrick shared Riley’s post on Twitter, and said: “These disgusting people are glorifying the terrorist activities of Hamas, a proscribed organisation.
“There is no place for this in the UK. I trust @metpoliceuk will be taking this seriously.” In a statement, Scotland Yard said: “We are aware of a number of incidents, including those that have been shared on social media, in relation to the ongoing conflict in Israel and the border with Gaza.
“The Met has increased policing patrols across parts of London in order to provide a visible presence and reassurance to our communities. We remain in contact with partners and community leaders to listen to any concerns.
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MOHAMMED SABER/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
“Anyone who experiences threatening behaviour or is worried about their safety is urged to contact police. We are aware that the ongoing conflict may lead to protests over the coming days. We will ensure that an appropriate policing plan is in place in order to balance the right to protest against any disruption to Londoners.”
A group called the Palestine Solidarity Campaign has called for people to attend an “emergency” demonstration on Monday outside the Israeli Embassy.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described the attack by Hamas on Israel as “cowardly and depraved”. In a social media post on Saturday night, Mr Sunak wrote: “As the barbarity of today’s atrocities becomes clearer, we stand unequivocally with Israel.
“This attack by Hamas is cowardly and depraved. We have expressed our full solidarity to [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] @netanyahu and will work with international partners in the next 24 hours to co-ordinate support.”
