The Head of Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP), Matt Jukes, has reflected on the terror attacks carried out by Hamas in Israel on 7th October 2023, marking one year since the tragic events.
In a statement published on the UK Counter Terrorism website, Jukes described the past 12 months as “an extraordinary year for all those concerned with global and domestic security.”
The attacks, which involved significant loss of life and hostage-taking, sparked conflict in Gaza and the wider region, the effects of which have reverberated globally and in the UK.
“My thoughts remain with everyone affected by last year’s attacks and by the conflict in the Middle East over the last 12 months,” Jukes said, acknowledging the deep impact the events have had on communities around the world, particularly those in the UK.
Jukes highlighted the extensive response by Counter Terrorism Policing in the aftermath of the attacks. Since October 2023, CTP has received “extraordinary levels of contact from the public,” including reports of online material and concerns about individuals potentially moving towards violence. He stressed the importance of these reports, many of which have led to direct action.
CTP remains vigilant regarding the potential consequences in the UK, especially in the lead-up to the anniversary of the murder of Terence Carney, who was killed in Hartlepool on 15th October 2023.
“The commitment of CTP’s network of specialist officers and staff during this period has mirrored the scale of the challenges they have faced,” Jukes noted, adding that their work often remains unseen but is critical to national security.
Over the past year, CTP has played a key role in both international and domestic security efforts in relation to the conflict. This includes assisting with the repatriation of five UK nationals killed in the conflict, supporting the families of victims through 20 specialist Family Liaison Officers, and making over 80 arrests for terrorism-related offences, half of which were linked to protest activity and the other half to online offences.
The impact of the conflict is evident in the rise of public engagement with CTP. There has been a 15% increase in intelligence submissions and a 7% increase in referrals to Prevent compared to the previous year. Jukes commented that while it is clear the conflict has led to increased reporting, “we can’t be certain that all additional reports are a direct result.”
In addition, CTP has dealt with more than 4,600 referrals related to harmful content online, with approximately 1,100 of these linked to the UK and potentially breaching terrorism or other legislation.
I am glad the Government are involved in working out the UK’s position in this reflection within the accepted norms of a just war. As I see it there was an aggression by Hamas which was extreme in its barbarity against unsuspecting and peaceful Israeli civilians and military.
Prior to this there had been a time of relative peace between these people.
This was a pointless aggression which received an entirely just and to be anticipated response.
It is correct to see this within the rights and wrongs of a just war with an aggressor against a settled people.