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Charlotte Church has defended the use of a controversial pro-Palestinian chant at a concert she performed at in Bedwas and said she was “in no way antisemitic”.

The singer, together with socialist choir Cor Cochion, led 100 vocalists at the event on Saturday February 24 at Bedwas Workmen’s Hall to support Palestinian victims of the Israel-Hamas war, and to raise money for the Middle East Children’s Alliance.

A rendition of “From the River to the Sea”, which ended the concert, has led to a backlash in the national press.

Critics of the chant argue it advocates for the destruction of Israel. The Campaign Against Antisemitism has previously described it as deeply offensive and antisemitic.

In statements to the national media it said Ms Church’s use of it was “at best tone deaf” and at worst using her voice to “fan the flames of hatred”.

The Palestinian Solidarity Campaign has said the phrase is “a call for the dismantling of the system of apartheid that affects all Palestinians”.

“From the River to the Sea” references the land between the River Jordan, bordering the occupied West Bank and Israel in the east, to the Mediterranean Sea in the west.

Speaking on an Instagram live video on Monday February 26, Ms Church defended its use and hit back at claims she is antisemitic.

She said: “Just to clarify my intentions there, I am in no way antisemitic. I am fighting for the liberation of all people. I have a deep heart for all religions and all differences.

“It was a beautiful, beautiful event. But unfortunately the powers that be can’t have that. [They] can’t have such a powerful symbol of resistance as what we worked towards on Saturday.”

She added: “Clearly, if you know the history of it all, [it is] not an antisemitic chant calling for the obliteration of Israel. It is not that in any way shape or form. It is calling for the peaceful coexistence of Israelis and Palestinians.”