British Museum Staff Revolt Over Israeli Embassy Event

250 British Museum staff members signed a letter criticizing the museum's decision to host an Israeli embassy event marking Israel's 77th Independence Day. The event, attended by UK Minister of Defence Maria Eagle, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, and Reform leader Nigel Farage, was a corporate hire. Staff were not informed of the event's nature and were ordered to leave early. Many staff are furious, stating the event harms relations with Arab world partners and violates the museum's impartiality code. The British Museum stated it cannot deviate from British government policy and that commercial events are decided on a non-political basis. The World Health Organisation reports that nearly half a million Palestinians face catastrophic hunger due to Israeli aid blockades. A museum spokesperson acknowledged strong feelings and respect for expressing views.