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UK rap-punk duo Bob Vylan are vehemently denying accusations of antisemitism following controversial onstage remarks made during their performance at the Glastonbury Festival. The band's comments, which addressed the ongoing situation in Gaza, have triggered a police investigation and drawn sharp criticism from various political figures.

During their set on Saturday, Bob Vylan displayed a banner with the slogan “From the River to the Sea,” a phrase that has become highly contentious in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While supporters view it as a call for Palestinian liberation and equal rights, critics, including many Jewish organizations, consider it antisemitic due to its association with the erasure of Israel. The band also reportedly chanted “End the occupation” and expressed solidarity with Palestine.

The fallout from the performance was swift and intense. Conservative MPs publicly condemned the band, with some calling for their music to be boycotted. A police investigation was launched to determine whether the comments constituted hate speech or incitement. Bob Vylan responded swiftly and forcefully, asserting that their remarks were misinterpreted and that they are not antisemitic.

“We are deeply saddened and disappointed by the accusations of antisemitism leveled against us,” the band stated in a lengthy social media post. “Our intention was to raise awareness about the plight of Palestinians and to express solidarity with those suffering under the occupation. We unequivocally condemn antisemitism in all its forms and stand in solidarity with Jewish communities.”

The band emphasized that their criticism was directed solely at the Israeli government's policies and actions in the occupied territories, and not at Jewish people as a whole. They pointed to their past support for Jewish anti-Zionist groups and their consistent condemnation of hate speech and discrimination.

This incident highlights the complexities and sensitivities surrounding discussions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly in the UK, where both Jewish and Palestinian communities have strong ties and deeply held beliefs. The controversy has also sparked a broader debate about freedom of expression, the limits of political protest, and the responsibility of artists to be mindful of the impact of their words and actions.

The police investigation is ongoing, and Bob Vylan has pledged to cooperate fully with authorities. The band remains defiant, insisting that they will not be silenced and that they will continue to use their platform to speak out against injustice and oppression. The case is likely to further fuel the already heated debate surrounding the conflict and the role of art and activism in shaping public opinion.

The Glastonbury Festival organizers have stated that they are aware of the situation and are cooperating with the police investigation. They have reiterated their commitment to providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, while also upholding standards of respect and inclusivity.