Israel-Palestine conflict: Met Police increases patrols after people appearing to cheer attack by Hamas

The Met Police said it is increasing its patrols across London after footage appeared to show people celebrating Hamas’ attack on Israel.

The force was urged to act by Conservative home office minister Robert Jenrick, after a video in which people are waving Palestinian flags and cheering was posted on X yesterday evening (October 7) by Countdown presenter Rachel Riley.

Ms Riley had earlier written she had passed two cars “driving with Palestinian flags flying from each window, bouncing up and down in their cars, seemingly celebrating like they were having a party. Make no mistake, this is a dangerous and terrifying time for all Jews around the world.”

She then later posted the footage, adding she had had a “reassuring call with the police”.

Mr Jenrick shared her video, writing he trusts the Met Police “will be taking this seriously”.

Following Ms Riley’s post, the home secretary, Suella Braverman, said she has been working with the Community Security Trust (CST) to ensure Jewish groups are adequately protected, and that she expects police to use “the full force of the law against displays of support for Hamas”.

Earlier today, the Met Police put out a statement saying it has “increased policing patrols across parts of London in order to provide a visible presence and reassurance to our communities”.

It adds anyone experiencing threatening behaviour or who is worried should contact the force.

“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.”

Mayor Sadiq Khan said he is in close contact with the Met and communities across the city, adding: “Let me be clear: hate crime in London will not be tolerated.”

The Islamist militant group Hamas had launched a surprise attack and fired thousands of rockets into Israel early yesterday morning.

Israel’s emergency services said that 70 people have been killed following the attack, while the Palestinian Health Ministry reported that 198 people have been killed after Israel retaliated and launched air strikes on Gaza. The death toll is expected to rise further.