UK says it would make Hamas a banned terrorist organisation

The British authorities stated Friday that it intends to ban the Palestinian militant group Hamas as a terrorist organisation, saying it would not differentiate between the group’s political and army wings.

The army arm of Hamas has been outlawed within the UK since 2001 however the organisation as an entire isn’t proscribed. Home Secretary Priti Patel, who’s accountable for legislation and order points, stated on Twitter that she had “acted to proscribe Hamas in its entirety.”Today I’ve taken motion to proscribe Hamas in its entirety.This authorities is dedicated to tackling extremism and terrorism wherever it happens. pic.twitter.com/TQfPzomyIm— Priti Patel (@pritipatel) November 19, 2021
She stated the group “has significant terrorist capability, including access to extensive and sophisticated weaponry, as well as terrorist training facilities.” Foreign Secretary Liz Truss tweeted that the transfer “will help tackle the scourge of antisemitism.”A ban, which have to be accepted by Parliament, would make it unlawful in Britain to be a member of Hamas or to precise help for the group, with a most penalty of 14 years in jail.The authorities stated it hoped the banning order can be accepted by Parliament inside the week and take impact Nov. 26.Hamas, a Palestinian group that opposes Israel’s existence, has ruled the Gaza Strip since taking on the realm in 2007, a yr after it gained a Palestinian election.Hamas is taken into account a terrorist group by Israel, the U.S. and the European Union.Israel welcomed the British announcement. Defense Minister Benny Gantz stated it “sends a strong message of zero tolerance toward terrorist activities aimed at harming the State of Israel and Jewish communities.”In Gaza, Hamas expressed “shock and dismay” on the British authorities’s choice and accused the U.Okay. of constant “with its aggression against the Palestinian people.”“The U.K. government should have apologized for its historic sin against the Palestinian people,” the group said in a statement, referring to Britain’s support for a Jewish state.“Now, the U.K. government sides with the aggressor against the victim.”