The UK Home Office has revoked the visa of Moataz Matar, an Egyptian television presenter living in exile, for allegedly publicly supporting the terrorist group Hamas. Matar, who is said to have participated in pro-Palestinian protests in London, has also been placed on a watch list, preventing his return to Britain. This marks the first “expulsion” under the new crackdown on foreign nationals engaged in alleged anti-Semitic behavior announced by Home Secretary Suella Braverman and immigration minister Robert Jenrick following the Hamas attack on Israel.
The Home Office has been alerted to several other foreign nationals exhibiting anti-Semitic behavior, and it is anticipated that their visas may also be revoked. Jenrick emphasized a zero-tolerance approach towards visitors who abuse the privilege of a visa and endorse terrorist acts, warning that visas will continue to be revoked as necessary. The UK government aims to eradicate extremism on its streets.
Matar, a former TV sports presenter with a significant YouTube following, conducted a live interview with Abdelhakim Hanini, a convicted terrorist who co-founded Hamas’s Al Qassam brigade. In the interview, Hanini expressed support for making those who support the “neo-Nazi Zionist enemy” feel unsafe, and called for Muslims to take to the streets in support of the October 7 attacks, labelling them a heroic act. Matar himself celebrated the murders of Rabbi Leo Dee’s wife and daughters in the West Bank earlier this year, describing it as an “operation by the resistance.” In another video, he expressed his joy at the October 7 attacks, considering it the happiest day of his life.
Although Matar has already left the country, he will be barred from returning due to his placement on the watch list by Border Force. The Home Office has the authority to revoke foreign nationals’ visas if their behavior is deemed detrimental to the public good or poses a national security threat.
In addition, Jenrick and policing minister Chris Philp have written to all 43 police forces in England and Wales, urging them to report any foreign individuals involved in potentially unlawful or extremist activities for their right to stay in the UK to be reviewed. The Community Security Trust, responsible for providing security to Jewish communities, has also been requested to share any information on foreign nationals engaging in anti-Semitism following the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The UK’s actions mirror those of France’s interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, who has ordered the immediate expulsion of any foreigners committing anti-Semitic acts. Several individuals have already been expelled from France. Matar has been approached for comment but has not responded.
In conclusion, the UK government’s revocation of Moataz Matar’s visa and placement on the watch list reflects its commitment to combatting anti-Semitism and extremism. This move is part of a broader crackdown on foreign nationals engaging in such behavior, following the recent Hamas attack on Israel.
