British Embassy in The Hague vandalized over UK's role in Gaza; Suspect arrested

The British Embassy in The Hague was vandalized on both Monday and Tuesday, according to police. Early Monday morning, a stone shattered a window on Lange Voorhout, and graffiti was sprayed on the building; a 38-year-old local man was arrested. The following day, the embassy’s entrance and façade were defaced with red liquid.

On his Instagram account, the arrested man justified his actions, writing: “At present, dozens in the United Kingdom are being detained and censored merely for opposing British involvement in the killing of the Palestinian people.” He added that anyone who criticizes the government is being jailed and silenced.

The suspect anticipated being detained for vandalism, which he considers far less severe than facing terrorism charges in the UK for holding a sign that reads “stop the genocide in Gaza.” He has stated that he accepts responsibility for his actions and is prepared to face trial.

The suspect was set to be released on Tuesday afternoon, his lawyer said, with the court hearing scheduled for January 14. According to a member of Justice Now!, an Extinction Rebellion offshoot familiar with the man, he has been on a hunger and thirst strike since his arrest, having abstained from drinking since early Monday morning after the incident. His lawyer confirmed the report, noting that the protest is in solidarity with prisoners on hunger strike in the UK.

Six of the eight young demonstrators held in the UK remain on hunger strike, with some waiting for their trial for over a year. This is regarded as the largest hunger strike in the UK since 1981, and three participants have gone without food for more than 50 days.

The incident on Tuesday has not yet been claimed by any group. Authorities are investigating, and no arrests have been made at this time.