UK's Starmer Condemns Pro-Palestinian Protests On October 7 Anniversary Amid Antisemitic Violence Concerns

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned the pro-Palestinian protests planned for the second anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel as "un-British" and disrespectful, urging students to avoid participating in them. He criticized the protests for being used by some as an excuse to attack British Jews and highlighted rising antisemitism in the UK, including a recent terror attack outside a Manchester synagogue that killed two people. Starmer emphasized that the UK will stand united against hatred toward Jewish communities and called for safety and security for both Israeli and Palestinian children. The anniversary marks two years since the deadly 2023 attacks by Hamas that resulted in over 1,200 deaths and numerous hostages. The protests, which are planned at multiple UK universities and cities, have raised concerns among politicians and Jewish leaders about timing and potential incitement of hatred. Starmer's statements underline the government's commitment to combating antisemitism while recognizing the continuing conflict's human toll.