Antisemitic, Islamophobic hate crimes rise in UK amid Israel-Hamas conflict

Anti-Semitic and Islamophobic hate crimes have continued to rise dramatically in London since the conflict between Israel and Hamas intensified earlier this month, with Scotland Yard preparing for a new series of protests on the streets of London on Saturday.

The Metropolitan Police said it had recorded 408 anti-Semitic crimes against Britain’s Jewish communities this month, compared to 28 in the same period last year, and that Islamophobic hate crimes had risen from 65 crimes in October 2022 to 174 so far this month.

Police have made 75 arrests in connection with the Israel-Gaza conflict and its counter-terrorism officials are investigating 10 possible violations of terrorism laws.

“We have made it clear over the past week that wherever possible we will follow the police to the fullest extent of the law,” Met Police Commander Kyle Gordon said, referring to the protests and marches planned in London this weekend.

Our most experienced and knowledgeable officers work to monitor these events and ensure we take full advantage of all legislation. “I would encourage anyone who sees crimes happening at this time to report them to their nearest police officer,” he said.

“Any images or images of possible crimes must be reported to us. We have specialized teams whose role is to sift through thousands of pieces of content that identify crime,” he added.

Thousands of Met Police officers will be on duty to provide reassurance to those who want to make their voices heard at the demonstrations and also to proactively deal with anyone breaking the law. The force said it would also work to minimize disruption to other Londoners and businesses in the British capital.

Following jihad chants at previous protests, which have been condemned as unacceptable by government ministers, the Met Police have indicated that any arrests made in connection with such chants should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

“If someone specifically calls for jihad against Israel, the officers will intervene and collect the information. We will work with (counter-terrorism) colleagues to determine the best course of action,” Commander Gordon added.

The Met Police have imposed strict restrictions on the route protesters must take under section 12 of the UK Public Order Act. A separate condition has been imposed under section 14 of the Public Order Act, which prevents people involved in the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign from gathering in the area outside the Israeli embassy in Kensington Palace Gardens in central London.

Details of these conditions, which police say have been put in place for the safety of both those involved and the wider public, have been shared directly with the march organisers.