Sadiq Khan Sparks Fury With Criticism of Israel on October 7 Anniversary

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has drawn criticism from Jewish communities and pro-Israel campaigners for his statement marking the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks. In his remarks, Khan condemned the "reprehensible actions" of the Israeli government and stated the UK government was "right to call out" those actions, while also highlighting the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

Khan's intervention came as Jewish communities observed the anniversary of the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, in which approximately 1,200 people were killed and over 250 taken hostage. The Mayor began his statement by remembering the victims of the Hamas attack and condemning antisemitism, affirming his commitment to protecting London's Jewish community from abuse and violence.

"Three years on from Hamas' horrific terrorist attack on Israel, we remember all the innocent victims whose lives were cruelly taken and unimaginably changed on October 7, as well as expressing our deepest condolences again to the families who lost loved ones that dark day," Khan said. He added that for many Jewish Londoners, the events reawakened fears and trauma.

However, Khan then turned his attention to the Palestinian death toll and criticized Israel's government. "Today is also a moment to reflect on the unfathomable suffering and killing of Palestinians over the last three years, both in Gaza and in the West Bank," he wrote. "The UK government is right to call out the reprehensible actions of the Israeli government and apply more pressure to keep the prospect of a two-state solution alive."

The Israeli embassy in London criticized Khan's decision to use the anniversary statement to attack Israel, accusing him of