Watan-UK Health Minister Wes Streeting responded to criticism from the Israeli Embassy in London over chants shouted during the famous Glastonbury Festival, calling them “unacceptable” — but emphasized that “Israel needs to deal with its own problems first.”
Speaking during a program broadcast by the BBC, Streeting addressed the Israeli Embassy’s objections to the chants heard at the Glastonbury Festival held in Somerset, southwest England.
UK Minister Labels Settlers as “Terrorists”
When asked about the embassy’s statement, which claimed the Glastonbury incident “raises questions about glorifying violence,” Streeting replied:“I view this as a challenge, and I don’t think anyone should be applauding what happened.”
However, he added a sharp rebuke aimed at Israeli officials:“But I also want to say to the Israeli Embassy—deal with your problems first. What the Israeli settler terrorists did in the West Bank this week shouldn’t just be condemned; it should be acted upon. Israel cannot keep turning a blind eye when such actions are committed by its own citizens against Palestinians, while taking a zero-tolerance stance when they target Israelis.”
UK Prime Minister Starmer: “Death to Israeli Army” Chant Is Hate Speech
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the “death to the Israeli army” chant heard at Glastonbury as “horrific hate speech.”
He urged the BBC to clarify how such footage was aired.
The chant in question was led by rapper Bobby Vylan, a member of the rap duo “Bob Vylan,” during a performance Saturday on the West Holts Stage. The crowd joined in chants of “Freedom, freedom for Palestine” and “Death, death to the Israeli army.”
In a statement Sunday, Starmer said:“There is no justification for this kind of horrific hate speech.”
“The BBC must explain how this was broadcast.”
The situation unfolds as Ireland continues to strongly criticize Israeli attacks on Gaza, labeling them genocide, and has joined Spain in calling for the EU to review its trade agreement with Israel due to human rights concerns.
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