London tube driver suspended for leading 'free, free Palestine' chant during pro-Palestinian protest

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - A London Underground train driver was suspended on Monday after he appeared to lead passengers in a chant of "free, free Palestine" over the train's speaker system during a weekend pro-Palestinian protest.

The Saturday incident came to light after a video posted online by a journalist captured the moment when the driver of a Central Line service initiated the chant by saying "free, free," to which passengers responded with "Palestine," a widely recognized slogan at pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Transport for London launched an investigation into the matter.

"We have been urgently and thoroughly investigating the footage appearing to show a Tube driver misusing the PA system and leading chants on a Central Line train on Saturday," said Glynn Barton, Transport for London's chief operating officer.

"A driver has now been identified and suspended whilst we continue to fully investigate the incident in line with our policies and procedures."

On Oct, 10, just days after the current Mideast conflict began, UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman issued a warning to police chiefs over displays of Palestinian flags on British streets.

She suggested that waving the flag "may not be legitimate" if it is seen as a show of support for terrorism.

She provided examples of protest actions which she believes could potentially constitute public order offenses, including targeting Jewish neighborhoods, waving pro-Palestinian or pro-Hamas symbols, and chanting slogans that could be interpreted as anti-Israeli.

The conflict in Gaza, which has been under Israeli bombardment and a blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Nearly 6,500 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 5,087 Palestinians and more than 1,400 Israelis.