A video allegedly showing members of the Irish rap group Kneecap voicing support for Hamas and Hezbollah is under review by UK counter-terrorism authorities.
According to Sky News, the Metropolitan Police confirmed they had been alerted to the footage, which has now been referred to the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit. The unit is assessing the video to determine if it warrants further police investigation.
The video, reportedly filmed at a Kneecap concert last November at London’s Kentish Town Forum, shows one of the band’s members shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah.” The footage was shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday by Danny Morris of the Community Security Trust, a UK-based Jewish security organization.
Both Hamas and Hezbollah are designated as terrorist organizations in the United Kingdom under the Terrorism Act 2000.
In a previous interview with Rolling Stone, band member Mo Chara said Kneecap has consistently spoken out about the Palestinian cause at every performance since the group’s inception, well before the events of October 2023. “The oppression and brutal occupation of Palestine has been ongoing for 77 years,” he said.
Chara also commented on the band’s recent performance at Coachella, explaining that they felt it was essential to raise awareness about U.S. support for Israel, which they accuse of committing genocide in Gaza. He added that their messaging during the performance was censored by the festival’s official livestream.
