Waltham Forest Council leader Grace Williams has said her ‘heart goes out’ to people who have lost loved ones in Israel and Gaza

Waltham Forest Council has placed a book of condolences in the Town Hall as it seeks to show support for communities in the borough affected by the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

The move comes amid mounting hostilities between affected communities in London and as hundreds of civilians in Israel and in Gaza have been killed.

In a statement council leader Grace Williams said Waltham Forest “condemn unreservedly the murder and kidnap of innocent people” in Israel by Hamas and that her “heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones in Israel and Gaza or who continue to search for missing family members or friends” in the war.

Cllr Williams continued: “The scenes of bloodshed and devastation caused by Hamas terrorists in Israel are truly shocking… We know that terrorism and conflict can lead to a rise in hate crime and that our Jewish and Muslim communities will feel particularly vulnerable. Our role in the council, alongside colleagues in the police, is to provide safety and reassurance to the people of Waltham Forest.”

Meanwhile the local Conservatives have called on the council to do more to show support for Israel by lighting up Waltham Forest Town Hall in the colours of the country’s flag.

In a public statement shared on Facebook, the Waltham Forest Conservatives said: “We have asked Waltham Forest Council to light up the Town Hall in the colours of Israel, just as we did to show support for France and Ukraine. This follows the examples of other councils and public bodies, as an indication of the borough’s support.”

The Conservatives added: “We are shocked and horrified by the recent unjustified terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts are with everyone caught up in the violence and with those who may be waiting for information on the safety of loved ones. We send our deepest condolences to those who have lost friends and family members.”

The statement continued: “We wish to express our solidarity with our Jewish friends and neighbours both in and outside Waltham Forest. It is vital that our Jewish community feels safe and supported. Now is the time to come together with our Jewish residents to show our support for them and enhance community relations.”

On Sunday, the day after Hamas launched a surprise ground and air attack on southern Israeli towns and a music festival, all UK government buildings were asked by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to light up in blue and white to show their support for Israel.

In Barnet, political leaders issued a joint statement of support aimed specifically at the borough’s large Jewish population amid damage done to Jewish-owned shops. Meanwhile further afield in Sheffield, pro-Palestine protesters scaled the Yorkshire city’s Town Hall to remove an Israeli flag.

Anyone who experiences hate speech should inform the police on 1010 or use the online reporting tool on the True Vision website. If it is an emergency, please phone 999

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