Four Young Men Admit Arson of Ambulances in London in Attack Linked to Jewish Community

Four young men admitted on Friday at London's Old Bailey to setting fire to four ambulances belonging to the organization "Hatzalah" in the Golders Green neighborhood about six months ago. The prosecution intends to seek terrorism-related sentencing, alleging the arson was a targeted attack against the Jewish community. The accused, Hamza Iqbal (20), Rihan Khan (19), Judex Atchatshi (18), and Saif Ali (18), were charged with the early morning March 23 incident, during which three set the ambulances ablaze while the fourth waited nearby in a car. The vehicles, each valued at approximately £250,000 and fully equipped with medical supplies, were destroyed after the fire spread and gas canisters inside exploded. Additional damage included four electric charging stations and cables, with total losses estimated at around £1 million.

Judge Chima Grab declined to rule on the terrorism link at this stage, despite Crown prosecutor Leo Sillig's claims, while the defendants' lawyers denied any such connection. The four remain in custody, with sentencing postponed until after the trial of a fifth suspect, Subhan Ahmad, who currently denies aiding the crime. The Campaign Against Antisemitism condemned the attack, stating, "Those who endanger Jewish lives in the UK must face the consequences of their actions. We will closely monitor the sentences imposed."

Separately, at the same court, three pro-Palestinian activists appeared charged with breaking into the military technology firm Ultra Intelligence & Communications in Hertfordshire on July 9, causing damage estimated at £1.3 million. The defendants, Ray Rivers (39), Alani Allen Padilla (20), and Miriam Mahmoud (22), allegedly forced entry through glass doors and damaged satellite dishes and electronic equipment. They were found with angle grinders, heavy hammers, crowbars, Palestinian flags, and clothing bearing the slogan "People Against Genocide." Their trial is preliminarily scheduled for April 2028 at Woolwich Crown Court. Upon leaving court, they smiled and embraced fellow activists who greeted them with flowers and signs.