The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas has submitted a legal filing to the UK High Court, arguing it should be removed from the list of proscribed terrorist organisations. The group, which launched the 7 October 2023 attacks on Israel, claims it is a 'resistance movement' and poses no threat to Britain.
In a witness statement, Mousa Abu Marzouk, head of international relations for Hamas, said the UK's proscription decision was 'unjust' and symptomatic of 'unwavering support for Zionism, apartheid, occupation and ethnic cleansing'. He added that Hamas 'does not and never has posed a threat to Britain'.
Hamas's military wing was proscribed by the UK in 2001, and its political wing was added in 2021, with the government describing the distinction between the two as 'artificial'. Proscription makes it a criminal offence to belong to, support, or display support for the group.
Hamas's legal team, from Riverway Law, reportedly argues that the definition of terrorism under the Terrorism Act 2000 also covers groups such as the Israeli armed forces. They contend that proscription violates Britain's obligations under international law to prevent genocide and end Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel condemned the legal challenge, calling Hamas an 'evil Iranian-backed terrorist organisation' that poses an ongoing threat to UK security and Middle East stability. The Home Office declined to comment on proscription matters.
