Israeli Embassy Criticizes Sadiq Khan for Citing Disputed Gaza Casualty Figures in Eid Message

The London mayor's remarks on Palestinian casualties have drawn accusations of promoting 'Hamas propaganda' and failing to condemn the group or address hostages held in Gaza.

• Sadiq Khan's Eid al-Fitr message cited over 50,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, including 15,000 children, figures attributed to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry.
• The Israeli embassy accused Khan of using unreliable casualty data and failing to condemn Hamas or mention hostages held by the group since its October 2023 attack on Israel.
• Khan's spokesperson defended him, stating he has condemned Hamas and expressed sadness over all lives lost in the conflict, but critics argue his message was politically divisive.
• The embassy emphasized the need for responsible rhetoric, referencing a rise in antisemitic incidents in the UK and protests outside places of worship.
• The controversy highlights broader debates over the reliability of casualty figures, the role of public officials in addressing international conflicts, and rising tensions in the UK.

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