ANTI-IMPERIALIST climate group Energy Embargo for Palestine (EEFP) gathered outside the British Museum on Tuesday evening after learning it had hosted an Israeli Independence Day event behind closed doors.

The event, organised by the Israeli embassy, marked the 77th anniversary of the signing of Israel’s Declaration of Independence — an event symbolising more than 77 years of dispossession, displacement, and violence for Palestinians.

Campaigners condemned the museum’s decision to host the event in secrecy, with no prior notice to staff, members, or the public. 

Speakers at the event included Israeli ambassador Tzipi Hotovely and Britain’s Defence Minister Maria Eagle, whose government portfolio includes oversight of arms exports. 

Other attendees included Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, his deputy Richard Tice, GB News presenters, and comedian Jimmy Carr.

Protesters carried banners reading “British Museum, cut ties with Israeli genocide” and “War criminals out of public institutions.”

EEFP’s Mara Adam said: “We demand that the British Museum discloses full transparency on its links with Israel and that they end their partnership with BP, a company fuelling genocide in Palestine.

“Maria Eagle’s acceptance of an invitation and speech at an Israeli embassy event reflects a horrifying link between a British government minister responsible for exporting arms to a state committing genocide. 

“It is not lost on us that Eagle’s speech in the British Museum comes on the same day the British government was brought to court by GLAN and Al-Haq for its export of F-35 jet parts to Israel.” 

Demonstrators reported significant police repression at the protest outside the event, including being fenced in, forced to lower Palestinian flags and banners, and at least one person being forcibly removed. 

Some reported being followed after the event.

The museum was approached for comment.