Iran Condemns UK Designation of Hamas as ‘Terrorist’
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Foreign Minister of Iran Hossein Amirabdollahian denounced the UK’s decision to brand Palestinian resistance movement Hamas as a “terrorist organization”.
“We condemn the UK's decision to declare the popular resistance movement of HAMAS a terrorist organization. Rights of Palestinians cannot be trampled on by distorting facts. The only political solution for Palestine lies in holding a referendum among all indigenous residents,” Amirabdollahian said in a post on his Twitter account on Friday.
His comments came hours after the British government announced that it intended to label Hamas “a terrorist organization”, joining the US, 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, Press TV reported.
London has since 2001 banned the 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.