“There is no place for anti-Semitism in our society and we will do everything we can to stamp it out. And where it occurs, it will be responded to with the full force of the law,” said the prime minister while visiting one of London’s Jewish schools.
London police said on Sunday evening that 15 people had been arrested during a pro-Palestinian rally in the center of the capital on Saturday.
Three men were later charged with crimes, including a 68-year-old man suspected of making racist comments. Two others were charged with illegal possession of knives and refusing to remove a face covering.
The police “made several arrests, but now they are also reviewing the footage, which records some simply unacceptable things, and will make further arrests if they can,” said R. Sunakas.
Tens of thousands of people rallied in support of the Palestinians in London and other UK cities on Saturday, a week after Islamist group Hamas carried out its deadliest attack on Israel across the border from the Gaza Strip.
Hamas killed more than 1.4 thousand. people and took dozens more hostages.
Israel carried out retaliatory strikes on the Gaza Strip, which claimed more than 2,700 lives. lives.
Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, has been involved in several wars with Israel since taking over the enclave in 2007. The group has been recognized as a terrorist by Israel, the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and some other countries.
Hamas is supported by Iran, financing the purchase of weapons, supplying them and providing military training. Hamas has a political office in Qatar, where some of its leaders are based.
2.3 million people live in the Gaza Strip. people, but Israel, with the help of Egypt, has imposed a blockade on the territory since 2007 – it restricted the import of goods to and from the territory by water, sea or air, as well as the ability of the Palestinians themselves to leave the territory, except for a few tens of thousands of workers.
The British government and police said they had seen an increase in anti-Semitic crimes and incidents in the country since the Hamas attack.
Mr Sunak said he had promised members of the UK Jewish community that he would do “everything in our power to keep them safe”.
He also warned that glorifying Hamas, which is a banned terrorist organization in the UK, could carry a long prison sentence.
“The law provides very clearly: supporting and glorifying Hamas is illegal, and these crimes are punishable by imprisonment for up to 14 years,” R. Sunaks told British broadcasters.
London police said last week that while supporting Hamas is a crime, general expressions of support for the Palestinians, including the use of the Palestinian flag, are not.
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#Sunaks #actions #proPalestinian #demonstrations #unacceptable
**Interview with Dr. Emma Cohen, Middle Eastern Politics Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Cohen. There were significant protests in London recently to mark one year since the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Can you give us some context about the scale and sentiment of these protests?
**Dr. Cohen:** Absolutely. The protests drew tens of thousands of people across the UK, indicating a strong sentiment among many who support Palestinian rights. This kind of turnout reflects growing awareness and activism regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ongoing conflict, especially given the recent escalation and tragic loss of life on both sides.
**Interviewer:** Following the protests, we saw a number of arrests made by the police, including individuals charged with making racist comments and possession of weapons. How do you view the intersection of protest and legality in such emotionally charged situations?
**Dr. Cohen:** It’s a complex and challenging intersection. While the right to protest is fundamental in democratic societies, it’s crucial that such demonstrations remain peaceful and respect the law. However, inflammatory rhetoric and acts of violence can surface in high-tension protests, leading to legal ramifications. Authorities, like the London police, have a responsibility to ensure safety, and when things spiral into unacceptable behavior, they must act to uphold the law.
**Interviewer:** The Prime Minister recently stated there is “no place for anti-Semitism” in society. How significant is government messaging in these contexts, and what impact does it have on the public response to protests?
**Dr. Cohen:** Government messaging plays a vital role in shaping public discourse. By unequivocally condemning anti-Semitism and other forms of hate, leaders are setting a tone of zero tolerance. This can help reassure affected communities, such as the Jewish community in London, that their concerns are being taken seriously. However, it’s also important for the government to facilitate constructive dialogue that allows for the expression of diverse viewpoints on geopolitical issues, without allowing hate to take root.
**Interviewer:** Given that Hamas is considered a terrorist organization by several nations, do you think the rhetoric used in protests can sometimes blur the lines between support for Palestinian rights and support for Hamas?
**Dr. Cohen:** Yes, that concern is very valid. Many protestors are advocating for humanitarian causes, yet the presence of groups that support Hamas or use extremist language can muddy the message. It’s crucial for advocates of Palestinian rights to distance themselves from violence and terrorism while focusing on peaceful solutions and humanitarian assistance. Otherwise, they risk alienating potential allies and complicating the dialogue surrounding the conflict.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Cohen, for shedding light on these pressing issues. It’s clear that balancing free expression, safety, and community concerns is more critical than ever in today’s sociopolitical climate.
**Dr. Cohen:** Thank you for having me. Engaging in this dialogue is essential as we navigate these challenging times.
