A video in which one member of Irish rap trio Kneecap appears to shout “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah” has been referred to British authorities to assess whether they break UK terrorism laws. 

The video, which was taken during the group’s performance at the O2 Forum Kentish Town last November, was referred to the UK’s Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit yesterday (April 22). Seemingly filmed by a member of the crowd, the video depicts one apparent 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 are both designated terror organisations in the UK. Under the Terrorism Act 2000, it is an offence to “invite support for proscribed terror organisations”. 

Despite 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 had previously received widespread support for their efforts in reviving the Irish language, drew criticism for their support of the Palestinian people and their indictment of Israeli occupation.

The group led a pro-Palestinian chant at both of their Coachella performances, prompting the festival’s broadcast partners to cut recordings early. In the wake of the event, 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.