I am pleased that the Home Secretary has announced that the entirety of the Hamas organisation will be proscribed.
Previously, the military wing of Hamas has been banned in the UK since 2001, but following a new assessment the Home Secretary has concluded it should be proscribed in its entirety. In 2001, the Government assessment was that there was a distinction between the military and the political wings of the group. That distinction is now assessed to be artificial, with Hamas as an organisation involved in committing, participating and preparing for acts of terrorism.
Proscription makes it a criminal offence to be a member of, or invite support for, the group. Those found guilty could face up to 14 years in prison. Subject to approval in Parliament, this proscription will come into force on 26th November.
You can read more here: Home Secretary to ban Hamas from UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
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