Cleric Urges Countering UK’s Move again Hamas via Int’l Organizations
The British government announced on Friday that it intended to label Hamas “a terrorist organization”, joining the United States, Canada and the European Union in fully banning the Gaza-based Palestinian resistance group, which plays a significant role in defending Palestinian rights against frequent Israel aggression.
In a meeting on Sunday, President of the Committee for Support of Palestinian People’s Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Mohammad Hassan Akhtari described the decision as ‘disgraceful and shameless’.
He said Hamas is a Palestinian group that defends the lands, properties and homes of Palestinians.
Britain’s move should be countered via legal ways including through international organizations such as the United Nations and Human Rights Watch, he said.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Ayatollah Akhtari said all evidence points to the imminent destruction of the Zionist regime.
It is a promise of God about the first Qibla of Muslims the promise is being fulfilled, he added.
Britian’s decision on Friday drew anger and condemnation.
London has since 2001 banned the resistance group’s military wing, known as the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, across the UK, but it is the first time that the British government sets to ban Hamas’ political wing.
Earlier on Friday, British Home Secretary Priti Patel tweeted that she had “acted to proscribe Hamas in its entirety”, saying there is no difference between the group’s military and political wings.
Upon parliamentary approval, which is expected within the week, the ban, under the UK’s Terrorism Act of 2000, would make it illegal across the UK to be a member of Hamas, express support for the resistance movement, meet with Hamas members, arrange meetings with its members, fly its flag or even wear clothing indicating support for the group.
Supporters will face a fine or a maximum of 14 years in prison.
Founded in 1987, Hamas is the largest Palestinian resistance movement. Since 2007, it has ruled the besieged Gaza Strip and has since defended the impoverished enclave against four major Israeli wars, including the most recent 11-day conflict that ended in an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire in May.
