The sister-in-law of former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair has provoked widespread condemnation after footage surfaced of her describing the October 7 Hamas attacks as a 'legendary day' for Muslims.
Controversial Comments in Turkish Interview
Lauren Booth, a 58-year-old British journalist who converted to Islam in 2010, made the remarks during an interview with the Turkish newspaper Yeni Safak last year. Booth, who is the half-sister of Cherie Blair, stated that 'only Allah knows' how many 'millions' would now pick up the Quran following the attacks, which she argued marked a historic 'tipping point'.
She told the publication: 'After October 7, this October 7, a legendary day in the Ummah's history, yes, we can say that people are now picking up the Quran because of the steadfastness and sabr [patience] of the people of Gaza.' The term 'Ummah' refers to the global Muslim community.
Further Remarks on Palestinians and Backlash
In the same interview, Booth, who now lives in Istanbul, recounted being 'annoyed' with Palestinians during an earlier visit to Gaza over what she described as a lack of determination to 'hate all Jews or just take Jewish life'. She said she had initially thought they suffered from 'Stockholm syndrome'.
The footage emerged as part of an investigation by Israeli journalist Elchanan Groner for a Channel 14 documentary. When contacted by the Mail, Booth defended her position, stating she advocates for the right to resist occupation but does not advocate for violence against any religious or racial group.
However, a spokesman for the Campaign Against Antisemitism labelled her comments 'sick and perverse', adding that such messages radicalise people. Andrew Fox of the Henry Jackson Society warned the remarks could trigger police scrutiny should Booth return to the UK.
Embarrassment for Tony Blair and Past Controversies
The controversy arrives at a sensitive time for Sir Tony Blair, who had reportedly been seeking a role in a US-backed Gaza peace plan involving Donald Trump's administration. He is now thought to be out of the running, though his think tank helped draft proposals.
Booth has a history of causing embarrassment for her in-laws. She has been a vocal critic of Blair's government, calling him a 'moral coward' over the Iraq War, and attended the premiere of a film mocking his premiership.
Since converting to Islam after a trip to Iran, Booth has worked for Iran's Press TV, advocated for controversial groups like CAGE, and was issued a diplomatic passport by a former Hamas leader in 2008. She also appeared on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2006.
Sir Tony Blair was approached for comment regarding his sister-in-law's latest intervention.
