A women’s officer at a university students’ union described the attacks by Hamas on Israel that have killed hundreds of people as “beautiful” and a “success”.

Hanin Barghouthi, who is an elected officer at the University of Sussex Students’ Union, addressed a crowd of people at a pro-Palestine rally on Sunday, just a day after militant groups crossed the border from Gaza into Israel, killing and abducting Israeli civilians.

Israel has said 900 civilians and soldiers have been killed in the attacks.

Ms Barghouti, who identified as a Palestinian, told the crowd that the attacks were “beautiful and inspiring to see”.

She said: “It shows us as Palestinians and it shows the world that we will always fight and we will always resist, and we need to celebrate these acts of violence because this is a success.

“Revolutionary violence initiated by Palestinians is not terrorism, it is self-defence.”

Ms Barghouthi, who is also a student at the University of Sussex, was elected as a women’s officer for the students’ union in the spring. In a manifesto, she said: “I am committed to putting my whole heart into working for you, making this uni safe and inclusive and comfortable.”

Brighton resident Heidi Bachram said she found Ms Barghouthi’s comments “morally despicable”.

She said: “Israeli women were raped and murdered and this so-called women’s officer was celebrating - it’s abhorrent.

“We have family currently hiding inside their homes while rockets hit. We have relatives killed and kidnapped. Jewish businesses and communities here are being targeted and she celebrated violence. I am filled with fury.”

The father of a new student at the University of Sussex said that she is now afraid to go around campus because of the comments made by Ms Barghouthi.

He told The Argus that the students’ union have a “duty of care” and accused them of not taking her comments seriously.

He also said that, when he complained to the students’ union about her remarks yesterday, a duty manager responded: “It’s Monday morning, what do you want me to do about it?”

“Their silence is deafening,” he said.

A spokeswoman for the University of Sussex said: “We have received a complaint about a Sussex student expressing views on the recent attacks by Hamas in Israel.

“The university is currently seeking to establish the facts and, if necessary, will take action in line with our policies and the law.”

A police spokeswoman said officers are reviewing footage from the protest and “remain committed to ensuring any reported offences are investigated proportionately, without prejudice, and in line with legislation, while recognising the complexities and sensitivities of the issue”.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman spoke about the reaction in Britain. She said that there is “no place on British streets for demonstrations that glorify terrorism” and said she is writing to police chiefs urging them to use all their powers to prevent disorder and distress.

The University of Sussex Students’ Union has been approached for comment.