Taxpayers foot £40,000 bill to remove Palestinian flags, only to see them back up days later

Costly Removal Process

Taxpayers in Tower Hamlets and Redbridge are shelling out a hefty sum to remove Palestinian flags that keep reappearing on lampposts, racking up a bill of £40,000 in total.

Guerrilla Campaigns and Graffiti

Following Hamas' attack on Israel in October, guerrilla campaigns have been on the rise, with videos surfacing on social media showing groups of individuals hanging Palestinian flags on lampposts in East London. Additionally, a graffiti campaign has targeted shop shutters in the area.

Politically Charged Messages

Some of the flags displayed politically charged messages, with one in Whitechapel calling for the International Criminal Court to arrest Rishi Sunak. These provocative displays have sparked controversy and calls for prosecution.

Official Responses

Both Tower Hamlets and Redbridge councils have been actively removing the unauthorized flags, citing safety concerns, street tidiness, and the prevention of hazards. However, residents have noted that the flags reappear shortly after being taken down.

Costly Protests

The cost of policing protests related to the Gaza conflict has exceeded £32 million, with recent demonstrations in Westminster resulting in injuries to police officers and multiple arrests.