New Delhi: Scotland Yard said it has stepped up patrols across London after videos and images of what appears to be people celebrating the Hamas attack on Israel, surfaced on the social media, news agency PTI reported. The Metropolitan Police issued a statement on Saturday after UK Home Office minister Robert Jenrick condemned those “glorifying” the terrorist activities of Hamas. According to the report, Mayor Sadiq Khan also warned that such “hate crimes” will not be tolerated.
“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 Police statement read.
“The Met has increased policing patrols across parts of London in order to provide a visible presence and reassurance to our communities. We remain in contact with partners and community leaders to listen to any concerns,” the statement added.
The development comes after Hamas rockets fired from the Gaza Strip pounded Israel leaving over 250 dead and dozens of others injured.
Police further said that anyone who experiences threatening behaviour should get in touch with them, PTI reported.
"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 police statement further said.
Meanwhile, Home Secretary Suella Braverman said that she wants the police to "use the full force of the law" against displays of any kind of support for Hamas.
Taking to X, she posted, “Whenever Israel is attacked, Islamists and other racists use Israeli defensive measures as a pretext to stir up hatred against British Jews. Yesterday I spoke with CST—UK [Community Security Trust] to ensure the Government is doing everything necessary for the protection of our Jewish communities.”
She also asserted that there should be “zero tolerance” for anyone who tries to glorify terrorism.
“There must be zero tolerance for antisemitism or glorification of terrorism on the streets of Britain,” Braverman wrote on X.