As Israel and Hamas clash, antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crimes increase in the UK

Since the Israel-Hamas crisis escalated earlier this month, antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crimes have increased significantly in London, and Scotland Yard is preparing for another round of demonstrations on Saturday in the city’s streets.

According to the Metropolitan Police, there have been 408 antisemitic incidents against Jewish communities in Britain this month, up from 28 during the same time last year. Additionally, there have been 174 incidents of Islamophobic hate crime this month, up from 65 in October 2022.

In connection with the Israel-Gaza conflict, the police have made 75 arrests, and its counterterrorism investigators are looking into 10 possible infractions of anti-terrorism legislation.

In response to the demonstrations and marches that are scheduled to take place in London this weekend, Met Police Commander Kyle Gordon said, “We have been clear over the last week that wherever possible we will police up to the line of law.”

“Our most skilled and informed officers are policing these events, ensuring that we are making the most use of all applicable laws.” He continued, “I would urge anyone who witnesses any crimes occurring right now to report them to the nearest police officer.”

The speaker said, “Any footage or images of potential crimes should be reported to us. Our specialized teams search through thousands of pieces of content to identify crime.”

In addition to “proactively” dealing with anybody who violates the law, thousands of Met Police officers will be on duty to “provide reassurance” to people who want to express their concerns during the rallies. According to the police, it would also try to cause as little disturbance as possible to other Londoners and companies in the UK’s capital.

The Met Police has said that any arrests linked to cries of “jihad” during past demonstrations would be evaluated case-by-case, in response to the chanting being denounced as inappropriate by government officials.

When someone calls for jihad against Israel in particular, the authorities will step in and acquire evidence. Regarding the best course of action, we’ll be collaborating with counterterrorism partners,” Commander Gordon said.

Under Section 12 of the UK’s Public Order Act, the Met Police has imposed stringent limitations on the marchers’ itinerary. Section 14 of the Public Order Act has placed an additional restriction that prohibits participants in the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign march from congregating in the vicinity of the Israeli Embassy in Kensington Palace Gardens, central London.

The march organizers have been informed directly of these restrictions, which the police claim have been put in place for the protection of participants as well as the general public.