The events unfolding in Israel are truly horrifying, and I join the UK Government in wholly condemning the terrorist attacks by Hamas that began on 7 October. My thoughts are with those affected, especially the families of those civilians who have been murdered.
Hamas is an organisation which calls for the establishment of an Islamic Palestinian state under Sharia law and has repeatedly called for the destruction of Israel. It has long been involved in terrorist violence. The then Home Secretary proscribed Hamas a terrorist organisation in the UK in its entirety in November 2021, following Parliament’s approval of an order to outlaw the group from the UK. Hamas is also listed in its entirety by the United States and the European Union.
In the UK it is a criminal offence to be a member of, or to invite support for, Hamas. Those found guilty could face up to 14 years in prison.
On 9 October the UK Government, joined by France, Germany, Italy and the United States of America, reiterated that the terrorist actions of Hamas have no justification, no legitimacy and must be universally condemned. Ministers and I recognise the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, but Hamas does not represent those aspirations. It offers nothing more for the Palestinian people other than more terror and more bloodshed.
Terrorism must never be tolerated, under any circumstances. I share the firm views of the UK Government on this issue.
11/10/2023