Increased Police Patrols in London After Videos Emerge of People Celebrating Attack on Israel
Key Highlights :
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has been a source of tension in the Middle East for years, but recently tensions have reached a fever pitch as Hamas launched its biggest attack in years on Israel. The situation has been further inflamed by videos that have emerged of people in London appearing to celebrate the attack. Immigration minister Robert Jenrick has urged the police to intervene, and the police have responded by increasing patrols in London.
The videos that have been shared on social media show people waving Palestinian flags, beeping car horns, and clapping in apparent celebration of the attack on Israel. Countdown presenter Rachel Riley was one of the first to share a video of the incident, writing on social media: “I just passed two cars in driving with Palestinian flags flying from each window, bouncing up and down in their cars, seemingly celebrating like they were having a party.” She later posted another video showing people celebrating, and urged anyone who was scared to contact the police.
Prominent barrister Charlotte Proudman also shared a video of a car with Palestinian flags sounding its horn, and called the celebration of the murders and kidnappings of Israelis “the most heinous act of public hate” she had seen on the streets of London. In response to the videos, Immigration minister Robert 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.”
The Metropolitan Police have responded by increasing patrols in London, and issued a statement saying: “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.”
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign has also called for people to attend an “emergency” demonstration on Monday outside the Israeli Embassy. It is clear that tensions are high in London and around the world as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues. The police have responded to the videos of people celebrating the attack on Israel by increasing patrols in London, and Immigration minister Robert Jenrick has urged the police to intervene. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop in the coming days, but for now the police are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of Londoners.
