Unverified video of a “free Palestine” chant on the train’s intercom is investigated by authorities.
Image source, Stefan RousseauPolice and Transport for London (TfL) are investigating after a London Tube driver appeared to chant pro-Palestinian slogans on a train.
An unverified video circulating online appears to show a Central line driver chanting “free Palestine” over the train’s public address system.
Passengers en-route to a pro-Palestinian march joined in chanting.
British Transport Police (BTP) and TfL said they were urgently investigating the incident.
On Saturday, an estimated 100,000 gathered in central London to show solidarity with Palestinian civilians.
In the video being investigated, the driver can be heard saying “hope you all have a pleasant day today” and “keep all those people in your prayers”.
It comes as the first aid deliveries have reached Gaza since Israel imposed a blockade after a Hamas attack on 7 October killed 1,400 people in Israel.
Israel cut off supplies of fuel, electricity and water to Gaza after the attack. Palestinian officials say more than 4,000 people have died in Gaza since then.
The UN says about 1.4 million Gazans have been displaced with more than half a million people in 147 UN shelters.
The Met Police this week issued updated guidance around certain pro-Palestinian chants because of the strength of feeling they can evoke.
‘Open to everyone’
BTP assistant chief constable Sean O’Callaghan said: “BTP are aware of footage circulating on social media which suggests chants are led by driver of a train in London earlier.
“BTP are working with Transport for London and investigating the matter.”
TfL said it was “committed to providing a safe network for everyone”.
“We want to make it clear that London is open to everyone,” a spokesperson said.”We are aware of footage circulating on social media that suggests political comments may have been made by one of our Tube drivers. We are working to scrutinise the footage and ensure the circumstances are urgently investigated.”
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