UK PM Starmer Condemns Planned Pro-Palestinian Rallies on Hamas Attack Anniversary

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has strongly condemned planned pro-Palestinian protests on the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks, describing them as "un-British" and disrespectful, especially in light of recent antisemitic violence such as the Manchester synagogue attack. He warned that previous rallies had been exploited as a "despicable excuse" to attack British Jews and emphasized the UK's commitment to standing united against hatred towards Jewish communities. The upcoming demonstrations, including student-led marches at multiple universities, have been criticized for their timing and alleged promotion of hatred. Authorities have responded with arrests and bans on some rallies, citing concerns over violence and antisemitism. Starmer highlighted the ongoing rise in antisemitism and framed the October 7 attack as "the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust." His stance reflects wider political and social efforts to curb tensions amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and related protests in the UK and Europe.