In a dramatic confrontation that shook London's diplomatic circles, activists from the direct action group Palestine Action stormed a prestigious Council of Europe event at the luxury Park Lane Hotel on Thursday evening.
The protesters specifically targeted Labour MP Khalid Mahmood, who serves as the vice-president of the Council of Europe, challenging him over his involvement with the Britain Israel Communications and Research Centre (BICOM). The organisation has faced criticism for its pro-Israel lobbying activities.
Confrontation Over Arms Trade Links
During the heated exchange, captured on video and circulating across social media, activists directly questioned Mahmood about his connections to companies involved in supplying weapons to Israel. "Why are you supporting the genocide in Gaza?" one protester demanded, while others chanted "Free Palestine" throughout the hotel venue.
The MP, who represents Birmingham Perry Barr, attempted to dismiss the protesters before security personnel intervened to remove them from the premises.
Protest Group's Statement
Palestine Action later released a statement defending their actions, claiming Mahmood's position with BICOM creates "an unacceptable conflict of interest" given the organisation's support for Israel's military actions in Gaza.
"We disrupted this event to expose the hypocrisy of those in power who claim to support human rights while backing the brutal suppression of Palestinian rights," a spokesperson for the group stated.
Growing Pattern of Direct Action
This incident represents the latest in a series of high-profile disruptions by Palestine Action, which has gained notoriety for targeting organisations and individuals they accuse of complicity in Israel's military operations.
The protest comes amid escalating tensions in UK politics regarding the government's stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, with numerous MPs reporting increased security concerns and protest activities at their constituency events.
Neither Mahmood nor the Council of Europe has issued an official statement regarding the incident at the time of publication.
