Calls to Counter-Terrorism Hotline Have Doubled Since Hamas Attack

Britain’s counter-terrorism hotline received 1,350 calls between Oct. 7 and Oct. 25, more than twice the number it recorded in the same period in 2022.

An Israeli tank is deployed to the border with Gaza on Nov. 5, 2023. Menahem Khana/AFP via Getty Images

Calls to Britain’s counter-terrorism hotline have more than doubled since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, triggering a massive retaliatory strike into the Gaza Strip.

The Metropolitan Police said between Oct. 7 and Oct. 25, the hotline received 1,350 reports—more than twice the number in the same period last year.

The number of reports with information which was useful to counter-terrorism investigators went up to 200, a fourfold increase.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: “Sadly, history tells us that events overseas can inspire or accelerate acts of violence much closer to home. We are working day and night with our partners to monitor the threat picture.”

He said: “We’re acutely aware of the energising effect the conflict could have on those with extremist or terrorist intent. With that in mind, our counter-terrorism units across the country are reviewing their casework and checking that operational police activity is as effective as it can be to keep people safe.”

Public Support is ‘Critical’

Mr. Taylor said the public’s support was “critical” to their work and he said, “There is a real willingness from our communities to tell us about their concerns.”

He thanked those who have contacted the police with their concerns.

The national counter-terrorism squad that monitors material online has also seen an increase, with nearly 2,000 made by the public since Oct. 7, 350 of which required further investigation to see if the content flagged up breaking the law.

The Met have urged people to remain vigilant in London and elsewhere as the risk of a terrorist attack remains high going into the Christmas and New Year period.

Mr. Taylor said: “The coming months are filled with brilliant events and activities, where people will be coming together to enjoy the festive season. Sadly, we have seen before that terrorists can view these as attractive targets. Our message is simple, stay alert and trust your instincts.”

“Whether you’re a business, an event organiser, a local authority or simply heading out with family and friends, if you see something that doesn’t feel right, please report it. You won’t be wasting our time and you could save lives,” he added.

In Israel more than 1,400 people were slaughtered, including babies and old people, by Hamas terrorists who broke out of Gaza on Oct. 7 and the Hamas-controlled health ministry says more than 10,000 people have been killed in Gaza as a result of Israeli air strikes and other military action.

There has been a huge surge in anti-Semitic incidents in Britain since the Israel-Hamas war broke out but so far there has not been a terrorist attack against the Jewish community.

‘Tackling Antisemitism’

In the King’s Speech on Tuesday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged to protect the British Jewish community.

King Charles III said: “My government is committed to tackling antisemitism and ensuring that the Holocaust is never forgotten. A bill will progress the construction of a national Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre in Victoria Tower Gardens.”

He added, “My government will act to keep communities safe from crime, anti-social behaviour, terrorism and illegal migration.”

But a Labour MP used the King’s Speech debate to warn of the rise in Islamophobia since the conflict began on Oct. 7.

Apsana Begum said, “I was also disappointed to see that the King’s Speech did not indicate that the government will finally recognise Islamophobia nor take measures to address the soaring level of hate crimes against Muslims.”

She said: “I am currently facing death threats and a torrent of Islamophobic and misogynistic abuse. In fact, I’ve received such abuse since being elected, since putting myself forward as a candidate for elections and receive comments including, and I quote, ‘vile and filthy religion, importing vile and filthy creatures like Apsana Begum.’”

“The situation is escalating, not least exacerbated by those trying to capitalise on current events by spreading their hate and division,” she added.

PA Media contributed to this content.