A video which shows one member of the group Kneecap simply saying “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah” has been referred to counter terror police to assess whether they break UK terrorism laws.

The video was taken in the O2 Forum in Kentish Town last November and was referred to the UK’s Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit yesterday (April 22). Likely filmed by a member of the audience, the video depicts one alleged Kneecap member shouting “Free Palestine, Tiocfaidh ár lá, up Hamas, up Hezbollah”, while draped in a flag similar to that flown by the Palestinian Al-Qassam Brigades.

Hamas and Hezbollah have been designated terror organisations in the UK. Under the Terrorism Act 2000, it is an offence to “invite support for proscribed terror organisations”.

Despite this being filmed last year, the Kentish Town incident has received renewed attention in the wake of Kneecap’s highly publicised performances at Coachella festival over the past two weekends. During these shows, the trailblazing Irish rap outfit, who have received widespread support for their efforts in reviving the Irish language, drew criticism for supporting the Palestinian people and their indictment of Israeli occupation and genocidal violence.

The group led a pro-Palestinian chant at both of their Coachella performances, prompting the festival’s broadcast partners to cut recordings early. English television personality Sharon Osbourne called for Kneecap to have their US visas revoked.

Hamas agreed to a ceasefire with Israel on January 19, 2025, following extended conflict in which an estimated 62,000 Palestinians and 1,100 Israelis have been killed since October 7, 2023. Israel broke the ceasefire on March 19 with a series of airstrikes across the Palestinian Gaza Strip. Deadly attacks have continued in the months since.