British lawmakers fear for their safety after threats and abuse over Gaza.

LONDON, Feb 28 - A British lawmaker expressed concern for his safety after facing 10 minutes of shouted accusations, including being called a "genocide enabler" and having "blood on your hands," for supporting Israel in its conflict with Hamas. The incident, which occurred in his constituency, prompted him to change his behaviour, such as sitting near the door on public transport and limiting meetings with the public, out of fear that criticism could escalate into violence.

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Following the Hamas attack on Oct. 7 that sparked the Gaza conflict, more than 10 British politicians, speaking anonymously, told Reuters that the abuse directed at them had intensified. Some politicians, including one who decided not to seek re-election in the upcoming parliamentary election, cited this abuse as a factor in their decision.

The conflict in Gaza has heightened tensions globally, leading to protests and dividing opinions among leaders on how to end the violence. In the UK, politicians report that the tone of public discourse has become increasingly hostile and dangerous, with some fearing it could lead to violence. Many are considering measures to protect themselves, such as wearing stab vests or installing safe rooms.

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Last week, parliamentary speaker Lindsay Hoyle allowed the three main parties to state their positions on a call for a ceasefire in Gaza, breaking with precedent to prevent lawmakers from facing pressure to vote against their party's stance.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has urged all sides to "take the heat" out of the issue, but some Conservative lawmakers have faced accusations of Islamophobia in their responses, which they deny.

The interior ministry announced 31 million pounds ($39 million) in funding to provide new security measures for lawmakers and officials to protect "democratic processes from disruption."

Despite a slight easing in the level of abuse following the ceasefire vote, some lawmakers have decided to resign, citing intolerable threats. The memory of two lawmakers killed in 2016 and 2021 by extremists weighs heavily on many politicians.

Conservative lawmaker Mike Freer, who defended Israel, announced his resignation after his office was targeted in a suspected arson attack. Another Conservative lawmaker, Tobias Ellwood, faced protests outside his home accusing him of being "complicit in genocide" in Gaza.

The Labour lawmaker who now watches where he sits in public transport said he had been advised by police to install a partition at his office to prevent people from getting near him quickly.

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A coordinated email campaign demanded lawmakers vote for an immediate ceasefire and suspend arms sales to Israel. One lawmaker discussed installing a safe room at home with his wife, saying, "No one should have to think about having a safe room just because they want to serve their communities."

A veteran politician noted that while public anger has previously put lawmakers in the firing line, the current threat of violence over Gaza marks a concerning escalation. He mentioned having conversations with colleagues about wearing stab vests to meetings, a recent development reflecting the increasingly tense atmosphere.

गाजा पर धमकियों और दुर्व्यवहार के बाद ब्रिटिश सांसद अपनी सुरक्षा को लेकर चिंतित हैं।