LONDON, Nov 11, (Agencies): An Egyptian television presenter, Moataz Matar, has reportedly had his visa revoked by the United Kingdom over allegations of supporting Hamas, a Palestinian armed organization designated as a "terrorist" group by the UK government. The Home Office cited Matar's participation in pro-Palestinian protests in London and his support for Hamas as reasons for canceling his visa. This action marks the first expulsion by Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick since the October 7 Hamas attack in Israel.

Matar, 49, has been placed on a watch list, preventing his return to the UK. The UK government, following the Hamas attack, announced plans to crack down on alleged "anti-Semitic" behavior, with indications that several foreign nationals could face visa revocation. Jenrick emphasized a zero-tolerance approach, stating that individuals endorsing "evil terrorist acts" will have their visas revoked, signaling a continued commitment to combating extremism.

The Home Office, empowered to revoke foreign nationals' visas in cases deemed "not conducive to the public good" or constituting a threat to national security, has taken this step against Matar. Jenrick and Chris Philip, the policing minister, have reportedly urged police forces across England and Wales to report foreign individuals engaged in potentially "extremist activities" for possible visa revocation.

Matar, having reportedly left the UK, faces being barred from returning due to his placement on the watch list. The move aligns with broader international responses, as France has also expelled foreign nationals found to commit anti-Semitic acts in the aftermath of the Hamas attack. French President Emmanuel Macron called for an end to Israeli bombings in Gaza, a sentiment promptly rejected by Israel, emphasizing the need for condemnation against Hamas rather than Israelis.