LONDON: The British government said Friday that he intended to ban Palestinian militant groups Hamas a terrorist organization, saying it would no longer distinguish between the political and military wings of the group.
Hamas’s military arm has been banned in the UK since 2001 but the organization as a whole is not prohibited.
Private Patel’s home secretary, who is responsible for legal and order problems, said he would write the group “overall, including his political wings.” “This is an important step, especially for the Jewish community,” Patel said during a speech in Washington.
“Hamas is fundamentally and antisemitic.” Patel said the group had “significant terrorist abilities, including access to extensive and sophisticated weapons, as well as terrorist training facilities.” Prohibition, which must be approved by the parliament, will make it illegal in the UK to become a member of Hamas or to express support for the group, including by flying the flause or wearing a t-shirt for it.
The maximum penalty will be 14 years in prison.
The government said it hoped that the ban order would be approved by the parliament in a week and it came into force on November 26.
Hamas, a group of Palestinians who opposed the existence of Israel, had ruled the Gaza Strip since taking over the area in 2007, a year after winning the Palestinian election.
Hamas is considered a terrorist group by Israel, the US and the European Union.
Israel welcomed the British announcement.
Defense Minister Benny Gantz said “sending a strong message about zero tolerance to terrorist activities aimed at harming the state of Israel and the Jewish community.” In Gaza, Hamas expressed “surprise and anxiety” at the British government’s decision and accused UK.
Continue “with aggression to the Palestinian people.” “The British government should apologize for his historic sin of the Palestinian people,” the group said in a statement, referring to British support for the Jewish state.
“Now, the British government government with aggressors of victims.”