UK: Scotland Yard keeps vigil after pro-Palestinians celebrate  Hamas attack on Israel

Met police taking precautions against possible protests

Web Desk Updated: October 08, 2023 



British police have increased vigil to prevent any untoward incidents in the wake of the Israel-Hamas clash in London and other parts of the country. The Scotland Yard has increased visible patrolling on streets and the Home Ministry has urged police to take necessary action against pro-Hamas displays and possible hate crimes against Israelis and British Jews in the UK.

Assuring hate crimes against Jewish communities will not be tolerated, Home Secretary Suella Braverman said, “Whenever Israel is attacked, Islamists and other racists use Israeli defensive measures as a pretext to stir up hatred against British Jews.” Braverman added necessary are being taken to ensure the protection of Jewish communities and said, “There must be zero tolerance for anti-semitism 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.”

UK had condemned Hamas' strike on Israel and said, “UK unequivocally supports Israel's right to defend its borders and its citizens from this evil.” The Metropolitan police’s action following several social media flagged visuals of pro-Hamas individuals celebrating the Hamas strike in the streets of London. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said hate crimes will not be tolerated in the city. “Tragically, we know that violence in the Middle East can lead to a rise in hate crime in London. 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 ever,” Khan tweeted.

In a statement, Metropolitan Police 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.”

Police added, “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."

Video: Celebrations in London after Hamas attacks Israel, cops step up patrols

ByMallika Soni
Oct 08, 2023 

Israel-Palestine Conflict: UK home office minister Robert Jenrick said, “These disgusting people are glorifying the terrorist activities of Hamas."

Scotland Yard said it has increased patrols across London after a number of incidents were reported, including messages and images shared on social media, amid the ongoing conflict in Israel. UK home office minister Robert Jenrick condemned anyone “glorifying” the terrorist activities of Hamas while London mayor Sadiq Khan warned that hate crimes will not be tolerated.

Israel-Palestine Conflict: A number of incidents were reported, including messages and images shared on social media

“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 Police said in a statement on Saturday evening.

“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,” it said.

"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," the statement added.

The UK home office minister Robert Jenrick 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 the Met Police will be taking this seriously."


The London Mayor later tweeted that he had been in touch with senior officers at the Met over safety concerns.

"Tragically, we know that violence in the Middle East can lead to a rise in hate crime in London. I remain in close contact with senior leadership at the Met and communities across our city. Londoners will see an additional police presence. Let me be clear: hate crime in London will not be tolerated,” he said.