Palestinian Mission in London Slams UK Gov’t’s Blacklisting of Hamas

"With this move, the British government has complicated Palestinian unity efforts and undermined Palestinian democracy," the mission announced in a statement.

"It is a retrograde and one-sided step that will do nothing for efforts to secure a peaceful two-state solution, an outcome that is being undermined every day by Israeli war crimes, including its illegal colonial settlement project in occupied territory," the statement added, the Middle East Monitor reported.

The mission also said, "The Palestinian side has been asking the world to implement international law equally on all sides and to provide international protection for the Palestinian people suffering under a belligerent and violent Israeli military occupation. Israel's transgressions of international law, international legitimacy and international human rights law are well known, including to the British government."

Head of the Palestinian Mission in the UK, Husam Zomlot, urged the UK government to reconsider its decision and to adopt a more even-handed approach if it is to play a positive role in peace-making efforts.

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.

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.

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.