Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has faced sharp criticism over recent statements in which he accused Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. According to representatives of the Jewish community and political opponents, such unfounded accusations contribute to the rise of antisemitic sentiment in the United Kingdom.
The condemnation was prompted by Khan's appearance on Channel 4 News last week.
“I genuinely believe genocide has been committed in Gaza. I think Netanyahu is responsible and as a perpetrator of genocide, I think he has broken the law,” the London mayor said.
Susan Hall, the leader of the Conservatives in the London Assembly, called the remarks “demonstrably false.” In her view, Israel's actions cannot be classified as genocide because the Israeli military takes steps to minimize civilian casualties. Before strikes on Hamas positions, civilians receive phone calls, text messages, and warning leaflets. Hall emphasized that the mayor's statements only inflame growing antisemitism in London.
Domestic policy criticism
Susan Hall also sharply criticized the results of Sadiq Khan's ten years in office as mayor, stating that he had distanced himself from his direct responsibilities. According to figures she provided, crime in London has increased by 26% since he took office.
In addition, the city's transport system has seen 156 strikes, three times the figure recorded over the preceding 16 years. City Hall has also been accused of failing its housing program: despite receiving £8.82 billion from the previous government to build 151,000 affordable homes, fewer than 90,000 units have been completed to date.
Source: thejc.com
