UK Foreign Office staff were reportedly told not to call Hamas terrorists and to blame Israel for the conflict in the Middle East. The Foreign Office later clarified that Hamas is a terrorist organization and the views expressed in the seminar were contrary to the government's position.
Key Points
Foreign Office staff were advised not to use the 'terrorist label' for Hamas
Academics at the seminar blamed Israel for the conflict and downplayed Hamas' actions
The UK Government clarified that Hamas is indeed a terrorist organization
The academics' views were contrary to the government's position on the matter