Braverman Wants ‘Full Force of Law’ Following Reported Celebration of Hamas Attack on Israel

The Home Secretary said there’s ‘zero tolerance for anti-semitism or glorification of terrorism’ as the Metropolitan Police increased patrols.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman during a visit to Greater Manchester Police HQ in Manchester, England, on Aug. 28, 2023. Peter Byrne/PA

Home Secretary Suella Braverman has said the police should use “the full force of the law” following reported celebrations of the Hamas attack on Israel in London.

As television presenter Rachel Riley posted a video on social media on Saturday that appears to show around seven people waving Palestinian flags, clapping, and beeping a car horn, the Metropolitan Police has increased patrol to reassure communities.

Israel declared a state of war on Saturday after Hamas, a proscribed terrorist group, launched an unprecedented surprise attack on Israel, firing thousands of rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory and seizing some Israeli towns, killing more than 25o.

As of Saturday night, the Israel Health Ministry said 1,590 people had been injured, and the Israel Defence Force said it had “neutralized hundreds of terrorists.”

Following the attack by Hamas, world leaders have condemned terrorism and called for restraint, with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak saying the UK stands “unequivocally” with Israel in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

An aerial view shows vehicles on fire as rockets are launched from the Gaza Strip, into Ashkelon, southern Israel, on Oct. 7, 2023. Ilan Rosenberg/Reuters

Ms. Riley, who is known for her campaign against antisemitism and was awarded an MBE for her “services to Holocaust Education,” said on X that she had “passed two cars in West London driving with Palestinian flags flying from each window, bouncing up and down in their cars, seemingly celebrating like they were having a party.”

She also posted a video showing people who appeared to be celebrating with Palestinian flags in their hands, saying the scene occurred in front of a cafe in Acton, West London.

Immigration minister Robert Jenrick shared Ms. Riley’s video, and called on the Met to intervene.

“These disgusting people are glorifying the terrorist activities of Hamas, a proscribed organisation,” he wrote on X. “There is no place for this in the UK.”

“I trust [Met police] will be taking this seriously,” he added.

Scotland Yard said they have increased patrols in case conflicts flare up in London.

“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 said in a statement.

“The Met has increased policing patrols across parts of London in order to provide a visible presence and reassurance to our communities.

The force said officers have remained “in contact with partners and community leaders to listen to any concerns”, and urged anyone who experiences threatening behaviour or is worried about their safety to call the police.

“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 Met said.

Rockets fired by Hamas terrorists from Gaza City are intercepted by the Israeli Iron Dome defense missile system on Oct. 7, 2023. Mohammed Abed/AFP via Getty Images

A group called the Palestine Solidarity Campaign has called for people to attend an “emergency” demonstration on Monday outside the Israeli Embassy.

Braverman: Zero Tolerance for Glorification of Terrorism

Also posting on X on Sunday morning, the home secretary said there “must be zero tolerance for anti-semitism or glorification of terrorism on the streets of Britain.”

“Whenever Israel is attacked, Islamists and other racists use Israeli defensive measures as a pretext to stir up hatred against British Jews,” she asserted.

Ms. Braverman said she spoke with CST, a charity that offers help to those who experience anti-semitism, to “ensure the government is doing everything necessary” to protect Jewish communities in the UK.

“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,” she wrote.

PA Media contributed to this report.