The English alternative rap duo Bob Vylan responded Tuesday to recent backlash over comments in regard to the Israel-Hamas conflict during a performance over the weekend.

LONDON (AP) — Rap-punk duo Bob Vylan on Tuesday rejected claims of antisemitism over onstage comments at the Glastonbury Festival that triggered a police investigation and sparked criticism from politicians, the BBC and festival organizers. The band said in a statement that it was being “targeted for speaking up” about the war in Gaza.

The controversy comes as the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas rages on. It erupted in October 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel and killed some 1,200 people and abducted another 251, Israeli officials say. Israel's offensive in the devastated territory has killed over 55,000 people, according to health officials in the Hamas-run territory.