Police are prepared for more clashes between pro-Palestine and Israel supporters, as further protests are planned in the coming days after 5,000 people gathered outside the Israeli Embassy in London last night. Rival groups were separated by officers at High Street Kensington Underground station, while outside, a large crowd chanted slogans such as ‘Israel is a terrorist state’, ‘Free Palestine’, and ‘Allahu akbar’, and fireworks were set off, some directed at the boarded up embassy. The Metropolitan Police made three arrests, including one for assault on an emergency worker and another for racially-motivated criminal damage. Community leaders have warned of a potential rise in antisemitism, and a major Jewish school in London has allowed students to go without blazers in public for their safety. Anti-Jewish incidents have already been reported since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began. Additionally, a pig’s head was left outside a proposed mosque in Pendle, leading to an investigation by Lancashire Police.
In London, pro-Palestine protesters gathered outside the Israeli embassy, chanting slogans, while police had to maintain order at High Street Kensington Tube station. Activists also vandalized a building, and various groups came out in support, including the Socialist Worker. These events caused tension between Israeli and Palestinian supporters at the tube station. Protests are planned for the future, including one outside the BBC’s Broadcasting House in London. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly urged pro-Palestine supporters not to protest, as it causes distress and anxiety for the Jewish community. Labour’s national campaign co-ordinator, Pat McFadden, expressed solidarity with Israel’s right to defend itself but did not discourage people from protesting in support of Palestine. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited a synagogue to show support for Israel, emphasizing that there is no equivalence between the actions of Israel and Hamas. Police are on high alert for any potential confrontations related to the Middle East conflict.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan predicted a rise in antisemitism following the war in the Middle East, which he said is causing fear among Jewish people. Lancashire Police are investigating a possible Islamophobic hate crime after a pig’s head was left outside a former church set to become a mosque. The Barnoldswick Islamic Centre expressed its commitment to peace and harmony and condemned the incident. Manchester, the second-largest city in the UK, also has a significant Jewish population, and the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester expressed concern over videos of people celebrating Hamas’ actions. Home Secretary Suella Braverman called for the police to take action against displays of support for Hamas, a proscribed terror group. Some individuals and events have celebrated the violence and praised the murders, causing outrage and condemnation.
Scotland Yard is investigating a number of incidents in London related to the conflict. The situation remains tense, and the authorities are taking measures to ensure public safety.
For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel
Source link
