Palestinian activists protested against Britain’s decision to blacklist Hamas in Gaza under the Terrorism Act.

Supporters of the Palestinian movement gathered in Gaza on November 23 and held a rally to decry the ban.

They also crossed out in red several posters of UK political figures. They condemned Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Home Secretary Priti Patel, who will be pushing for the ban in Parliament this week, and former Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour, who authored a century-old letter pledging to establish a ‘national home for the Jewish people’ in Palestine.

Announcing the ban, Patel said: ‘Hamas has significant terrorist capability, including access to extensive and sophisticated weaponry, as well as terrorist training facilities.

‘That is why today I have acted to proscribe Hamas in its entirety.’

Meanwhile, Hamas leaders responded: ‘Instead of apologising and correcting its historical sin against the Palestinian people … [Britain] supports the aggressors at the expense of the victims.

‘Resisting occupation, by all available means, including armed resistance, is a right guaranteed by international law to people under occupation.’

Under the ban, expressing support for Hamas, meeting with its members, and flying its flag will be prohibited.