Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “The wanton and inhumane terror inflicted on Israeli citizens and others who were in Southern Israel on 7 October was horrific and impossible to justify.

“In addition, the terrorists were equally inhumane and reckless towards the people of Gaza, whom they claim to represent. They knew, but did not care about, the entirely foreseeable consequences that would follow for Gazans as a result of their pitiless actions.

“Israel, like any other nation, has a moral duty to protect its citizens and could hardly be expected not to react militarily – because that would signal weakness and invite further acts of terror from other groups.

“In our free and democratic society, people will have different opinions about the issues at stake in the middle east. They have a right to express them publicly, provided they observe the law.

“There is a distinction to be made between Palestinians and members of Hamas, a terrorist organisation proscribed in this country. Expressing support for the Palestinian people is entirely legitimate.

“The police will ensure that those who wish to show that support remain safe and free to do so.

“Expressing support for a proscribed terrorist organisation such as Hamas is, however, another matter and citizens will expect the police to take appropriate action against any that do.

“Understandably, most people in South Yorkshire will want to show the deepest sympathy for those on both sides of this conflict who have lost lives or loved ones and are once more fearful for the future, not least because of the failure of political leadership in recent years.

“In the past, members of the Jewish community in this country have been subject to threatening and abusive behaviour at times like this. Whether that behaviour is on the street or online, the police have a duty to protect them. Britain has its own history and we do not tolerate hate crime wherever it comes from or whoever it is directed towards. It is one of the greatest attractions of this country.

“All our communities have the same right to be kept safe from those extremists who have nothing to offer but hatred and fear.”