JERUSALEM — Israel's defence ministry accused a London-based Palestinian centre on Tuesday of "terror-affiliated activities" and being the organizational arm of the militant Islamic Hamas movement in Europe.
Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip and advocates violent opposition to the Jewish state, is designated by the European Union as a terrorist organization.
An Israeli defence ministry statement said that the Palestinian Return Centre organizes conferences in Europe at which it plays taped speeches by Hamas leaders who are banned from entering the EU.
"The centre is involved in initiating and organizing radical and violent activity against Israel in Europe, while delegitimising Israel's status as a nation among the European community," the statement said.
"Among other terror-affiliated activities, the centre organizes many conferences in various European countries for Hamas and Muslim Brotherhood activists from all around the world," it added.
On its website, the centre describes itself as "an independent consultancy focusing on the historical, political and legal aspects of the Palestinian Refugees."
Israel however, says it is "part of the broader Hamas activism and support network within Europe, which is especially strong in England."
Tuesday's statement said that earlier this month Defence Minister Ehud Barak signed a decree declaring the London centre "an association illegal in Israel."
A ministry spokeswoman was unable to explain to AFP what the practical implications of that decree were, and whether Israel would seek a similar designation of the group from the British government.
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhum called the allegations against the centre "false and fabricated."
"This is an Israeli misrepresentations intended to isolate the Palestinian people from any attempts to show solidarity with them or help them realize their rights," he told AFP.
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