Corbyn praised by Hamas for ‘solidarity’

HAMAS has thanked Jeremy Corbyn for expressing his solidarity with a propalestinian rally in London, a move that threatens to increase concern over the Labour leader’s links with the militant group.

“We have received with great appreciation the solidarity message sent by Jeremy Corbyn, to the participants in the mass rally that took place in central London,” Hamas said in a statement.

Around 4,000 people marched in London over the weekend for Nakba Day, the annual day of commemoration for the thousands of Palestinians who were displaced from their homes during the 1948 war with Israel.

Mr Corbyn sent a message calling on the UK Government to condemn the killing of protesters in Gaza and freeze arms sales to Israel. He also promised that if he became prime minister, he would recognise Palestine as a state.

“We cannot stay silent at the continuing denial of rights and justice to the Palestinian people,” he said.

Hamas praised Mr Corbyn’s “advanced moral and political position worthy of all praise and thanks”. Mr Corbyn has been dogged by questions over his connections with Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist group by the UK, US, and the EU.

He once referred to members of the group as “friends” but later said he regretted using the term.

Mr Corbyn has also faced criticism for attending a wreath-laying ceremony for Palestinians killed in an Israeli

‘We have received with great appreciation the solidarity message sent by Jeremy Corbyn to the mass rally’

airstrike, which took place near the graves of those allegedly involved in the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre.

Yair Lapid, a leader in Israel’s main opposition party, said: “Jeremy Corbyn, if Hamas is thanking you, then you’re on the side of terrorism.”

A spokesman for Mr Corbyn said he “has a long and principled record of solidarity with the Palestinian people. That is the right thing to do”.

The Israeli foreign ministry declined to comment.