Police patrols have been stepped up in the capital following reports of celebrations over Hamas’s attack on Israel (Picture: @RachelRileyRR/AP/Rex)
Police patrols in London have been stepped up amid reports of people celebrating Hamas’s attack on Israel.
The Metropolitan Police said it was aware of a number of incidents, ‘including those that have been shared on social media’.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan described the news coming out of Israel as ‘deeply distressing’, adding: ‘I condemn the terrorist acts of Hamas and my thoughts are with those affected and those who have lost loved ones.
‘Tragically, we know that violence in the Middle East can lead to a rise in hate crime in London.
Follow the latest on the Israel-Palestine conflict over on our live blog.
‘I’m in touch with senior officers at the Met and communities across our city. Let me be clear – hate crime in London will not be tolerated. Now or never.’
Home Secretary Suella Braverman said she expects police to ‘use the full force of the law’ against displays of support for Hamas.
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She wrote on X this morning: ‘Whenever Israel is attacked, Islamists and other racists use Israeli defensive measures as a pretext to stir up hatred against British Jews.
There were cheers and clapping in the streets after Hamas’s attack on Israel (Picture: @RachelRileyRR)
Police patrols will be stepped up (Picture: In Pictures via Getty Images)
‘Yesterday I spoke with the 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.’
On Saturday, Countdown presenter Rachel Riley shared video to social media of people waving Palestinian flags and sounding car horns in Acton.
Other clips shared on X (formerly Twitter) showed gatherings of people waving Palestinian flags, clapping, and holding signs reading ‘Freedom for Palestine’ and ‘end the siege’.
Rachel said: ‘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.’
A group called the Palestine Solidarity Campaign has called for people to attend an “emergency” demonstration on Monday outside the Israeli embassy.
A spokesman for the Met 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.’
Sadiq Khan said violence in the Middle East can lead to a rise in hate crime in London (Picture: @RachelRileyRR)
The Community Security Trust (CST), a charity that protects British Jews from antisemitism and related threats, said it has been in discussion with the Met Police and Government since Saturday morning to ensure the ‘appropriate levels of security and policing are in place in Jewish community areas’.
Dave Rich, director of policy at the charity said: ‘Experience tells us that as conflicts in Israel and Gaza escalate, we will see a spike in antisemitic hate crimes in Britain.
‘During the last big conflict between Israel and Gaza in May 2021, one of the things that caused the most anger and fear in Jewish communities was car convoys waving flags.
‘We hope what happened on Saturday night isn’t an indication that we’re going to see the same thing again as that would be extremely damaging to community relations.
‘We kind of accept it as normal that when there’s conflict, we see a rise in antisemitism in Britain, we shouldn’t accept it as normal, it should never be acceptable.’
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