Tony Blair's Sister-in-Law Sparks Outrage After Calling October 7 a 'Legendary Day' in Muslim History | WATCH

Lauren Booth, the sister-in-law of former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and a convert to Islam, has ignited widespread controversy after resurfaced comments from a 2025 interview in which she described the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel as "a legendary day in the Ummah's history."

Booth, 58, who is the half-sister of Cherie Blair, made the remarks during an interview with the Turkish newspaper Yeni Şafak.

She stated that the events of that day, which saw Hamas terrorists kill approximately 1,200 people and take over 250 hostages in southern Israel, marked a "tipping point" that could inspire "millions" to turn to the Quran, citing the "steadfastness and sabr [patience]" of Palestinians in Gaza.

Booth also expressed support for a "free Palestine from the river to the sea," a phrase often interpreted as calling for the elimination of Israel, though proponents argue it advocates for Palestinian rights and equality.

The comments, originally published in 2025, gained renewed attention in early 2026 through social media and news outlets, prompting sharp criticism from Jewish advocacy groups and conservative commentators.

The Campaign Against Antisemitism described the statements as "sick and perverse," accusing them of glorifying the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust.

On X (formerly Twitter), users including accounts focused on documenting Hamas atrocities labeled Booth's views as "radicalising rhetoric" and highlighted her conversion to Islam in 2010, which she attributes to experiences in Palestine and Iran.

Booth, a journalist and activist now living in Turkey, has previously criticized Israel and advocated for Palestinian causes.

In the same interview, she expressed frustration with some Palestinians for what she called "Stockholm syndrome" toward Israelis, suggesting a lack of sufficient animosity.

As of January 9, Booth has not publicly responded to the recent backlash, and her social media accounts, including Facebook, continue to focus on pro-Palestinian messaging without addressing the controversy directly.

Some online commentators speculated that Booth's remarks could lead to legal scrutiny if she returns to the UK, though no official actions have been reported.

Tony Blair's office has not commented on the matter, and Booth's family ties have drawn additional scrutiny to her views.