A political storm has erupted after the Israeli embassy in London launched a fierce criticism of Mayor Sadiq Khan over his Eid al-Fitr message, accusing him of spreading “Hamas propaganda.” The unusual public rebuke came several days after Khan shared his traditional holiday greeting.
In his April 10 video message marking the end of Ramadan, Khan extended warm wishes to Muslim Londoners while acknowledging that celebrations were overshadowed by ongoing conflicts. “For many, the usual happiness we feel during Eid will be tempered by the appalling suffering and killing that continues in Sudan and Palestine,” he said.
The mayor went on to state that “more than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza” during Israel’s military campaign, including over 15,000 children. He also mentioned the devastating war in Sudan, now entering its third year. Khan praised Londoners for maintaining their concern while suggesting the international community had “chosen to avert its gaze.”
The Israeli embassy responded sharply on Thursday, expressing “deep dismay” at Khan’s remarks. In an unusually lengthy statement, embassy officials claimed the mayor’s message failed to mention Hamas or condemn terrorism. They emphasized that the war began with Hamas’s October 7 attacks and noted 59 hostages remain captive.
This criticism comes despite Khan having previously condemned Hamas attacks multiple times. A spokesperson for the mayor quickly reiterated this, stating Khan has “repeatedly conveyed his outrage at attacks by Hamas on Israel and has strongly condemned these acts of terrorism,” while supporting calls for a ceasefire.
The embassy also challenged Khan’s casualty figures, calling them “Hamas propaganda.” However, these numbers align with those reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry, which UN officials have previously described as generally reliable. Notably, current Foreign Secretary David Lammy cited similar figures earlier this year, as have UN human rights reports.
The Lancet medical journal published research in January suggesting the actual death toll might be significantly higher than official reports. A November 2024 UN analysis found about 70% of verified Gaza casualties were women and children.
The diplomatic spat reflects ongoing tensions in UK politics regarding the Israel-Hamas war. Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely, known for her hardline stance against Palestinian statehood, has been a vocal defender of Israel’s military actions. Meanwhile, Khan’s comments echo growing international concern about civilian casualties in Gaza.
The controversy also highlights how the conflict continues to influence British domestic politics, with social media amplifying divisions. Right-wing accounts had already been criticizing Khan’s message before the embassy’s formal intervention.
As the war approaches its seventh month with no resolution in sight, such public disputes between UK officials and foreign diplomats may become increasingly common, reflecting the deep emotional and political divisions the conflict has created globally.
