Rachel Riley apologises for implying Sydney attack was response to ‘intifada’ calls

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"At the time we did not know who the attacker was, and as such I made no reference. My aim was to highlight the weekly calls for "intifada" being tolerated in London and around the world, which in actuality means violence on our streets. For six months now, I have avoided taking the Tube, or going with my kids to anywhere near the marches each Saturday, and each week we see the extremist chants on proud display with little outcry.

"Sadly, the type of attack seen in Sydney yesterday is exactly the kind of violence the previous intifada involved and I hope to avoid in future, but in my opinion ignoring the problem won't make it go away. Attacks on Jews have recently become repackaged as 'resistance' in some circles, and we should in one voice condemn all acts of violence, whoever the perpetrators and whoever the victims."

"I am sorry if this message was misunderstood, that was not my intention."

Her original tweet said: “If you want to know what ‘globalise the intifada’ looks like, see the Sydney mall.”

The Sydney mall attacker was a man named Joel Cauchi, 40, from Queensland, who police confirmed had mental health issues.

Cauchi went on a killing spree inside the shopping center and was fatally shot by an officer responding to the attack.

Rachel Riley has been approached for comment.