Braverman Questions Legitimacy of Waving Palestinian Flag, Calls for Stricter Measures Against Hamas Support in the UK
The Home Secretary has cautioned that displaying the Palestinian flag "might not be deemed legitimate" following a string of pro-Palestine demonstrations occurring on the streets of the UK
Suella Braverman has advised police officers to employ the “full extent of the law” to prevent harassment of the UK’s Jewish community in light of recent events in Israel.
In a missive addressed to police chiefs in England and Wales, she stated: “It is not only explicit pro-Hamas symbols and chants that warrant concern.
“I would urge the police to contemplate whether slogans such as ‘From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free’ should be interpreted as an expression of a violent wish to witness Israel eradicated from the world, and whether its usage in specific contexts might constitute a racially aggravated Section 5 public order offence.”
Following escalating tensions over the Israel-Gaza conflict, the Foreign Secretary has moved to provide reassurance to the Jewish community in Britain. In an interview with Nick Ferrari on LBC, James Cleverly stated that any calls for violence were “entirely inappropriate” and emphasised that “people in the UK have the right to live in peace.”
“This is particularly evident within the Jewish community in the UK, who often find themselves targeted in response to events in the Middle East.
“We stand in solidarity with you, and we will ensure your protection,” he affirmed.
Mr. Cleverly indicated that a “substantial number” of dual British-Israeli nationals have become entangled in the conflict in Israel and Gaza.
Both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli supporters gathered in west London on Monday to express their backing for their respective causes.
Demonstrators were separated by police as chants of ‘Free, Free Palestine!’ echoed along High Street Kensington and reverberated within the nearby Tube station, situated just yards away from the Israeli embassy.
The Metropolitan Police force has stated that it is “cognizant of incidents indicating suspected criminal damage in Kensington High Street,” which is in close proximity to the Israeli embassy in London.
A spokesperson for the force remarked, “Officers are currently present, taking necessary action, and collecting evidence. We are proactively working to identify and apprehend those believed to be linked to any criminal actions.”
