THE Home Secretary has said she expects “the full force of the law” to be used by police to crack down on displays of support for Hamas after their attack on Israel.
Videos have appeared on social media of people displaying Palestinian flags in support of the occupied territories.
Metropolitan Police patrols have been increased in London after the force was urged to intervene by immigration minister Robert Jenrick, who shared a video posted on social media by Countdown presenter Rachel Riley after Hamas launched its biggest attack in years on Israel.
Israel has retaliated by launching airstrikes on Gaza and an Israeli military official said on Sunday morning their forces had “hundreds of terrorists”.
Riley posted on Twitter/X on Saturday saying she passed two cars driving with Palestinian flags flying from each window, “bouncing up and down in their cars” and “seemingly celebrating like they were having a party”.
She later posted a video which showed people waving Palestinian flags, beeping car horns and clapping in Acton, west London.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman posted on Twitter/X on Sunday morning, saying: “Whenever Israel is attacked, Islamists and other racists use Israeli defensive measures as a pretext to stir up hatred against British Jews.
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. pic.twitter.com/jMTAAocb20
— Dr Charlotte Proudman (@DrProudman) October 7, 2023
“Yesterday I spoke with [the Jewish charity Community Security Trust] to ensure the Government is doing everything necessary for the protection of our Jewish communities.
“There must be zero tolerance for antisemitism or glorification of terrorism on the streets of Britain.
“I expect the police to use the full force of the law against displays of support for Hamas, other proscribed terrorist groups or attempts to intimidate British Jews.”
Riley’s post on the social media site 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.”
Jenrick shared Riley’s post 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.
“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.”
