Moataz Matar has been placed on a watchlist, meaning he will not be able to return to the UK.
An exiled Egyptian TV presenter has reportedly had his visa revoked by the UK for allegedly supporting Hamas, part of the government’s efforts to crack down on support for the Palestinian armed organization which it considers a “group”. terrorist.”
The Interior Ministry canceled Moataz Matar’s visa, among other things, for participating in pro-Palestinian protests in London and supporting Hamas, according to the London-based Telegraph news site.
The 49-year-old has also been put on a watchlist, meaning he will not be able to return to the UK.
It would be the first “expulsion” carried out by Interior Minister Suella Braverman and Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick since the Hamas attack in Israel on October 7, which killed some 1,200 people.
Since then, Israel has launched air raids and a ground attack on Gaza, where the group is based, that have killed more than 11,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, creating a humanitarian crisis. Israel has refused an immediate ceasefire despite growing international calls.
British officials have announced plans to crack down on suspected “anti-Semitic” behavior following the Hamas attack, and the Telegraph reported that at least half a dozen other foreign nationals could have their visas revoked.
“There can be zero tolerance for visitors to the UK who abuse the privilege of a visa and support evil terrorist acts,” Jenrick was quoted as saying. “To anyone considering doing the same in the coming days and weeks, please know that we will continue to revoke visas wherever necessary. We will not tolerate extremism on our streets.
Matar is believed to have left the UK, but border authorities will bar him from returning due to the watch list.
The Home Office has the power to revoke student, visitor or work visas from foreign nationals where it considers that a person’s behavior is “not conducive to the public good” or if it is deemed a threat to national security.
Jenrick and Chris Philip, the police minister, have reportedly asked all 43 police forces in England and Wales to report any foreigners caught up in potential “extremist activities” which could warrant their visas being revoked.
After the Hamas attack, Jenrick also reportedly remained in contact with the Community Security Trust, responsible for ensuring the security of Jewish communities, to pass on the names of any foreign nationals they deem to be engaging in “anti-Semitic” behavior.
France has also banned pro-Palestinian rallies and cracked down on people protesting the killing of civilians in Gaza.
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has ordered that all foreign nationals found guilty of anti-Semitic acts be immediately expelled from the country. At least three have already been expelled by France.
French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that Israel should stop bombing the besieged enclave and killing civilians. Israel quickly rejected his remarks, saying world leaders should condemn Hamas and not Israelis.