Disgusting: LSE refuses to cancel event celebrating ‘misunderstood’ Hamas despite outrage

The book, titled Understanding Hamas and Why That Matters, is written by Helena Cobban and Rami G. Khouri. It presents a sanitized, controversial portrayal of Hamas, calling it a "very solid, multifaceted, pragmatic, principled and popular liberation organization."

Cobban and Khouri argue that labeling Hamas as a terrorist group "strips violent resistance of historical and political context," and push for an end to the "demonization" of Hamas and its allies. This portrayal stands in stark contrast to the real-world actions of the group, which includes terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and the starvation of hostages.

The event, scheduled for later this afternoon at LSE’s Middle East Centre, has drawn criticism from Israel’s ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, who demanded the university cancel the launch. Hotovely expressed her concerns that hosting such an event would provide a platform for Hamas propaganda, a group banned under UK law. She also raised the issue of growing antisemitism, pointing out that anti-Jewish incidents have surged 148% in the past year, particularly on university campuses.

Jewish advocacy groups have also condemned the book’s premise, particularly its claim that Hamas faces "intense vilification." The Campaign Against Antisemitism emphasized that the group’s history of violent actions, including the recent massacre and kidnapping of Israelis, makes such "vilification" justified.

Despite these objections, LSE has refused to cancel the event, citing its commitment to free speech and expression. A spokesperson for the university stated that LSE hosts numerous events covering a wide range of viewpoints, encouraging open debate and lawful refutation of ideas.

In response to the book launch, Stop the Hate, an advocacy group, is organizing a counterprotest at LSE’s Middle East Centre later this afternoon to oppose the event. The ongoing controversy highlights the tensions between academic freedom and the responsibility to prevent the endorsement of extremist ideologies.