UK Police Investigate Anti-Israel Chants at Glastonbury Festival Amid Gaza War

At the 2025 Glastonbury Festival, punk act Bob Vylan led the crowd in chants of "free, free Palestine" and "death, death to the IDF," sparking widespread condemnation and a police investigation into potential hate speech or incitement to violence. The Israeli Embassy in Britain expressed deep disturbance at the inflammatory rhetoric, while UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting called the chants "appalling" and criticized both the festival organizers and the BBC for broadcasting the remarks live. Streeting also urged Israel to address violence committed by settlers in the West Bank, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The festival organizers stated that while many artists hold differing views, there is no place for antisemitism or hate speech at Glastonbury. Additionally, Irish rap trio Kneecap faced criticism for provocative actions and statements during their set, including support for a group the UK government plans to designate as a terror organization. The controversy has led to calls from politicians for accountability and reflection on the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict amid the ongoing war in Gaza.