Hamas has lost its appeal to be removed from the list of banned terrorist organisations in the UK.

The Islamist group based in Gaza had launched a legal challenge in April, claiming the designation breached the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

A spokesman for the group claimed proscription hindered its ability to broker a political solution to the conflict in Gaza and the ban was contrary to the "duties of the British state" to "end genocide".

However, a Home Office spokesman confirmed the group remained on the proscribed list.

Hamas militants arrive in an area before an Israeli hostage swap

A spokesman told The Times: "The Government keeps the list of proscribed organisations under regular review.

"While we do not routinely comment on individual groups proscribed, we can confirm that Harakat al-Muqawamah (Hamas) is still listed as a proscribed organisation."

Hamas’s military wing, the Qassam Brigades, has been proscribed since 2001. In 2021, then Home Secretary Priti Patel, extended the ban to the whole organisation, claiming there was no longer any difference between the group's military and political wings.

The challenge by Hamas was brought forward by Riverway Law, which has since relaunched itself as Riverway to the Sea. It described itself as a law centre "dedicated to understanding and confronting the racist ideology of Zionism" through "strategic litigation".

The team from Riverway Law handing in the case on behalf of the groupX/Getty

Israel's border with the Gaza Strip shows smoke billowing during an Israeli strike on the besieged Palestinian territory

Riverway to the Sea ceased trading in June and no longer functions as a solicitor’s practice regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

The SRA had launched an investigation into the group in April after being alerted to social media posts by Fahad Ansari, one of the lawyers instructed by Hamas.

An SRA spokesman told The Times earlier this week that the investigation was continuing.

Ansari posted on social media last year: "The heroic Palestinian resistance, may every one of their bullets hit their targets … it is imperative that we all support them"

A stuffed toy lies amidst the rubble at the site of Israeli strikes on buildings at Gaza's Old City market, in Gaza City

Hamas were the masterminds behind the October 7 attacks on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Gaza's health ministry says Israel's response has killed over 57,000 Palestinians.

It has also caused a hunger crisis, internally displaced almost all Gaza's population and prompted accusations of genocide and war crimes.

Israel strongly denies these accusations.