UK says it will make Hamas a banned terrorist organization

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

LONDON (AP) — The British government said Friday that it intends to ban the Palestinian militant group Hamas as a terrorist organization, saying it will no longer differentiate between the group’s political and military wings.

The military arm of Hamas has been outlawed in the U.K. since 2001 but the organization as a whole is not proscribed.

Home Secretary Priti Patel, who is in charge of law and order issues, said on Twitter that she had “acted to proscribe Hamas in its entirety.”

She said the group “has significant terrorist capability, including access to extensive and sophisticated weaponry, as well as terrorist training facilities.”



FILE - Britain's Home Secretary Priti Patel speaks at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, England, Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021. The British government said Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, that it plans to ban the Palestinian militant group Hamas as a terrorist organization. The military wing of Hamas has been outlawed in the U.K. since 2001 but the organization as a whole is not proscribed. Home Secretary Priti Patel, who is in charge of law and order issues, said on Twitter that she had “acted to proscribe Hamas in its entirety.” (AP Photo/Jon Super, File)


Read more: https://apnews.com/article/europe-middle-east-israel-militant-groups-gaza-strip-a50b423567b9efcdf95452deac39399f

[ripcord]

1. I have never understood the separation

It isn't like the political wing doesn't support the terrorist efforts, they are the same organization.

[IronLionZion]

3. That could apply to our Republican party too

considering how many elected members supported the 1/6 insurrection and other terrorist activity.

[llashram]

2. America

needs to do this with MAGAT rats...the 1/6 kinds. They will...whine all the way to their 'paradise'.

[PhylliPretzel]

4. Since the people of Gaza

elected Hamas, the governments of all countries should recognize them and deal with them. We shouldn't choose to ignore the people of a country just because we don't approve of those whom they have chosen to represent them. Examples: We have relationships with Russia although we don't approve of Putin, with China's Xia, the Phillipines' Duarte, Brazil's Bolsonaro, etc., etc. etc. Why should the people of Gaza be neglected just because we don't approve of those they elected?
When the Former Guy was selected to hold the Presidency, the world didn't approve, but didn't refuse to maintain diplomatic and business relationships. Why is it different for Gaza?????

[Mosby]

5. The Gazans didn't exactly elect Hamas

They won a bunch of legislative seats and decided to take over Gaza and kick out Fatah.

That was 14 years ago and there haven't been any elections since.

[former9thward]

7. Really?

Hamas does not recognize Israel. The people in Israel elected their government but Hamas does not recognize it. But you want people to recognize Hamas?

[Devil Child]

6. A long-overdue but welcome decision n/t