DUP MP Jim Shannon has sparked controversy by labelling grey squirrels as the ‘Hamas of the squirrel world’.
Mr Shannon compared the common rodent to the Palestinian militant group, designated a proscribed terror group in the UK, as MPs considered ways to protect red squirrels.
Hamas was globally condemned after its barbaric attack on southern Israel on October 7, which killed more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians. The terrorists dragged some 240 people back into Gaza, including babies, children, women, soldiers, older adults and Thai farm labourers.
Mr Shannon, speaking during the debate on the control of the grey squirrel population, said: ‘The Ards Red Squirrel Group is full of fantastic volunteers who work tirelessly to protect the future of the red squirrel in my constituency of Strangford, particularly at Mount Stewart.
‘The organisation is led by the National Trust Mount Stewart ranger team, and they are in constant contact with local landowners to monitor red squirrels and eradicate any greys that venture in.
‘Indeed, the issue is the very presence of grey squirrels – grey squirrels are the Hamas of the squirrel world.’
DUP MP Jim Shannon has sparked controversy by labelling grey squirrels as the ‘Hamas of the squirrel world’
Mr Shannon compared grey squirrels (pictured) to the Palestinian militant group, designated a proscribed terror group in the UK, as MPs considered ways to protect red squirrels
He went on to suggest there should be ‘greater integration’ between the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and local red squirrel groups in the devolved institutions to ensure they have the ‘means necessary to preserve and expand the red squirrel species throughout Northern Ireland’.
Social media users were quick to blast the DUP MP, with one posting: ‘What language is he speaking please?’
Another wrote: ‘Someone better not tell him there’s more than 2 colours of squirrels.’
A third said: ‘Grey squirrels are the colonialists of the squirrel world.’
A fourth posted: ‘This is brilliant.’
And a fifth quipped: ‘He’s no David Attenborough…’
Grey squirrels were introduced into the UK from North America in the 1800s and are a major threat to native red squirrels.
It comes as international mediators worked to extend the truce in Gaza today, encouraging Hamas terrorists to keep freeing hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners and further relief from Israel’s air and ground offensive.
Social media users were quick to react after footage went viral of Mr Shannon comparing the two
Hamas was globally condemned after its barbaric attack on southern Israel on October 7, which killed more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Pictured: A destroyed home riddled with bullets, following the deadly October 7 attack
The ceasefire will otherwise end within a day.
Hamas freed two Russian-Israeli women, who exited Gaza Wednesday evening, Israel said.
The release was expected to be followed by the swap of 10 more hostages in Gaza for 30 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
The country has welcomed the release of dozens of hostages in recent days and said it will maintain the truce if Hamas keeps freeing captives.