Hamas condemns banning Islamic movement in Israel

The Islamic movement of Hamas condemned on Tuesday Israel's decision to ban the Islamic movement in Israel, considering it a "racist" one.

Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri said in a press statement that the Israeli decision targets the Arab existence inside Israel.

He added that the Israeli move aims to prevent the Islamic movement from continuing its role in protecting al-Aqsa mosque, "this decision is a badge of honor to this movement," he explained.

Abu Zuhri called upon the international community to assume its responsibilities "toward the racist Israeli measures," reiterating that the Israeli occupation is a "racist" group.

Israel's political and security cabinet has outlawed the northern branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel.

The Israeli public radio quoted the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as saying that the decision was made to end the "dangerous incitement at home and preventing the harming of innocent (Israeli) lives."

The radio stated that the decision outlaws any member of the movement or whoever provides it with services, adding that they will be subjected to prison.

Israeli police raided 17 offices of the northern branch of the Islamic Movement in different areas in Israel, and the movement's leaders were summoned for investigation. The Israeli authorities have frozen bank accounts belonging to the movement. Endit