The Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, has issued a warning that anti-Israeli chants and flag-waving during pro-Palestine demonstrations could lead to police intervention. Braverman emphasized the importance of context when policing such events and stated that actions that are normally legal may not be considered legitimate when intended to glorify acts of terrorism.

Concerns Over Pro-Hamas Symbols and Chants

Braverman expressed concerns over explicit pro-Hamas symbols and chants, but also urged police to consider whether chants such as 'from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free' should be understood as a violent desire to see Israel erased from the world. She further suggested that the use of such chants in certain contexts may constitute a racially aggravated section five public order offense, which can result in a fine of up to £2,500.

Monitoring Online Offenses

In addition to addressing the issue of demonstrations, Braverman called on police to monitor online offending. She highlighted the presence of symbols like swastikas at anti-Israel demonstrations and stated that behaviors that are legitimate in some circumstances, such as waving a Palestinian flag, may not be legitimate when intended to glorify acts of terrorism.