The Jerusalem Post

Hamas denies supporting Corbyn in vote,

- • By KHALED ABU TOAMEH

Hamas has denied it supports the British Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, in the country’s general election, slated for December 12.

The denial on Wednesday came in response to a report by the Israel-based Tazpit Press Service claiming Hamas has been supporting the Labour Party through a large number of organizati­ons, forums, media outlets and activities on social-media networks.

According to TPS, one of the largest support organizati­ons for Corbyn – the “We support Jeremy Corbyn” Facebook page

– is operated by Hamas supporters in the Gaza Strip and Britain.

Basem Naim, a former health minister in the Gaza Strip and head of Hamas’s “Council on Internatio­nal Relations,” said in a statement his movement was not interferin­g in the British election.

“We do not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries,” Naim said. “We are not party to any internal conflict, but we demand that any British prime minister support the rights of the Palestinia­n people, foremost the right to freedom, independen­ce and the right of return” for Palestinia­n refugees and their descendant­s to their former homes in Israel.

Naim also denied that Hamas has any representa­tives in Britain.

“The accusation­s that Hamas is interferin­g in the election and supporting Labour Party leader Jeremey Corbyn are unfounded,” he added.

He accused Israeli media and the “Israeli lobby” in Britain of standing behind the allegation­s “because they feel that Corbyn is fairer in his foreign policy and because he announced during his election campaign that, if he wins, he will recognize the Palestinia­n state.”

 ?? (Toby Melville/Reuters) ?? LABOUR PARTY LEADER Jeremy Corbyn arrives yesterday to attend a general election campaign rally in Sheffield.
(Toby Melville/Reuters) LABOUR PARTY LEADER Jeremy Corbyn arrives yesterday to attend a general election campaign rally in Sheffield.

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