The kidnapping of so many innocent people from their homes, including children, was an abhorrent act of terrorism that we have condemned.
We absolutely understand why the Campaign Against Antisemitism is raising awareness and calling for the release of all hostages.
Having watched the video shared this evening, we can understand why the intervention of officers was seen as preventing that protest and why it has caused such frustration and upset.
In the days since the attacks in Israel took place, officers have worked to facilitate a number of demonstrations, vigils and other gatherings across London.
We have no wish to limit freedom of expression or to prevent people from exercising their right to protest in whatever lawful way they see fit.
However we do have a responsibility for public safety and there will be occasions where we try to avoid groups with strongly opposing views coming into immediate contact with each other.
Last night officers were on duty policing a vigil organised by pro-Palestinian groups in Whitehall, just up from Parliament Square where the incident involving the billboard vans and officers was filmed.
While many participants had already left due to the poor weather a number still remained and officers were keen to avoid the billboard vans becoming a point of tension or conflict.
We took similar actions on Saturday where we prevented pro-Palestinian demonstrators from reaching the area around the Israeli Embassy given their doing so would likely have led to an escalation in tension and a possible risk to public safety.
As with any incident we will carefully consider whether our response was appropriate and what we might do differently should a similar situation arise again.
We would welcome the opportunity to talk to Mr Falter about the incident, to share our perspective and the reflections of our officers but most importantly to listen to and reflect on his specific concerns.
Officers are making contact with him directly, this evening, to extend this invitation.
