London – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has strongly condemned planned pro-Palestinian protests coinciding with the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, labelling the demonstrations as “un-British” and disrespectful. The remarks come amidst heightened concerns over antisemitism and in the wake of a recent terror attack on a synagogue in Manchester.
Starmer’s Stern Warning
Writing in The Times newspaper, Starmer urged students and others planning to participate in rallies and vigils across the UK to reconsider their actions. He stated that such protests, particularly on the anniversary of the “atrocities of October 7,” demonstrate a “total loss of empathy and humanity” and reflect “little respect for others.” Starmer further alleged that previous pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been exploited as a “despicable excuse to attack British Jews for something over which they have absolutely no responsibility.”
The prime minister emphasized that the UK stands united against hatred and harm directed at Jewish communities, particularly in light of rising antisemitism. He referenced the recent terror attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, where two worshippers were killed, as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat.
Protests Proceed Despite Condemnation
Despite Starmer’s admonishments and calls for sensitivity, pro-Palestinian protests proceeded as planned in London and other major UK cities, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Sheffield, and Leeds. University students from institutions such as King’s College London, the London School of Economics, University College London, and SOAS were among those participating in marches and gatherings.
Some protesters dismissed Starmer’s criticism. One student outside King’s College London stated that the Prime Minister’s comments were “unjust” and questioned his inaction, asserting the necessity for people to “come together to protest about this” as a “critical, critical matter.”
The Jewish Bloc for Palestine criticized the government’s approach, accusing it of attempting “to weaponize the fear and grief of our community by resurrecting a slur — that those protesting for Palestine represent a danger to Jews.”
Background and Broader Context
The October 7th attacks by Hamas militants resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, with 251 taken hostage. Israel’s subsequent military offensive in Gaza has led to a significant death toll, with health ministry figures from the Hamas-controlled territory indicating over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed.
The anniversary protests occurred against a backdrop of intense international scrutiny of the conflict, with widespread calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid for Gaza. In the UK, discussions about the balance between the right to protest and the need to protect communities from hate speech have intensified. The government is reportedly considering granting police new powers to restrict protests, acknowledging the “cumulative impact” of demonstrations on public fear, particularly within the Jewish community.
As these events unfold, the news highlights the deep divisions and emotional complexities surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict, as well as its significant impact on domestic politics and community relations within the UK. The situation remains a trending topic, with ongoing debate about the nature of acceptable protest and freedom of speech.
Related News
In separate but related news, thousands of people gathered in central London on Sunday for a commemorative event marking the October 7 anniversary, waving Israeli and Union Jack flags and holding posters of hostages.
Governments globally have grappled with the timing and nature of these protests, with some countries imposing bans or restrictions, while others focus on balancing civil liberties with public safety concerns.
