Journalists from Al Jazeera were forced to abandon reporting in North London after being harassed and intimidated by a hostile crowd while covering an arson attack on Jewish community ambulances, as police intervened to contain the situation.
Videos circulating online show a group of men surrounding the crew, shouting "go home" and " Al Jazeera off our streets", in scenes that highlight growing hostility towards journalists in the UK carrying out their work.
"It's always concerning to see journalists being harassed when trying to work," a spokesperson for the Committee to Protect Journalists tells The New Arab .
"No one should have to put up with being shouted at or intimidated for doing their jobs, and police officers witnessing such harassment should respond appropriately, to ensure that news crews are able to continue reporting safely and freely."
Members of the mob were heard aggressively shouting: "No one wants Al Jazeera here" and "Go back to Qatar", referring to the country where the pan-Arab broadcaster was launched.
One journalist is seen standing his ground, telling the crowd: "You don't decide when I stay or when I leave", as security personnel formed a barrier to protect the crew from potential violence.
Footage shows the reporter asking police whether the harassment constituted an offence, questioning why journalists were being targeted while covering a major news event.
An officer is heard telling the crowd that the crew were simply reporting and could not be removed, urging them to disperse.
Despite this, members of the group continued to shout over the police and claim they felt "threatened" by the journalists' presence.
The situation ultimately forced the crew to leave, with footage showing them packing up their equipment while being followed by individuals from the crowd.
In another clip, a journalist confronts a man who accused him of antisemitism, responding: "How dare you call me an antisemite? Shame on you."
The incident occurred after a suspected arson attack in the North London area of Golders Green, where at least four volunteer ambulances operated by Jewish emergency service Hatzola were set on fire.
Around 40 firefighters were called to the scene, and no injuries were reported, although police are treating the case as a possible antisemitic incident. Al Jazeera , known for its coverage of the Middle East, especially covering Israel's genocidal war, has faced sharp critique from Israel and its supporters over its reporting, accusing the network of aiding Palestinian group Hamas, which the network rejects.
Israel banned the publication in May 2024 after passing a law that allowed it to shut down foreign broadcasters it deems a security threat, closed down their offices, halting broadcasts and blocking their website in Israel.