SHEFFIELD, England (VINnews) — British authorities are investigating a rising trend of door-to-door campaigns by pro-Palestinian groups urging residents to boycott Israeli products, officials said. The inquiry comes after a confrontation in Sheffield between activists and local opponents, during which one person alleged she was assaulted.

Videos show volunteers from the Sheffield Apartheid Free Zone recording residents’ responses, categorizing them as supportive, uninterested, or opposed. Activists say the campaigns aim to pressure households to participate in boycotts, drawing comparisons to anti-apartheid efforts in South Africa.

This man confirmed they were knocking on doors and taking a note of addresses not supportive of their anti-Jew leaflets.

Woodseats Sheffield today. A Jew hunt. @LightninLex pic.twitter.com/P00HrDyY97

— Jean Hatchet (@JeanHatchet) February 15, 2026

Similar campaigns have been reported in Brighton, Bristol, Hackney, Cardiff, Belfast, and Glasgow. Critics warn that collecting addresses and tracking supporters constitutes intimidation. Vicky Bogel, a Brighton activist, said the efforts “found out who has ‘Zionist tendencies’ and where they live,” calling it “cunning and dangerous.”

The incidents have sparked political backlash. Conservative Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp condemned the activity as “dark and threatening,” while Trade Secretary Peter Kyle called for police investigations into potential hate crimes and incitement. Sussex Police overseeing Brighton said no criminal activity has been identified so far.

Since October 7, the number of antisemitic incidents in Britain has reportedly risen sharply. A survey by Campaign Against Antisemitism last year found that half of young Britons feel uneasy around people openly supporting Israel, and half believe Israel treats Palestinians like Nazis treated Jews.