He previously lauded them as “friends” and now they have returned the favour – Hamas terrorists have backed Jeremy Corbyn in the Labour leadership contest.

Leaders of the Islamist group in Gaza announced that his “very good sympathy and support for the Palestinian cause” had made him their choice to become leader of the opposition next week.

Mr Corbyn was criticised earlier in the campaign for having previously referred to the group, and Hizbollah, as “friends” when they visited Westminster in the past.

Ghazi Hamad, Hamas’ deputy foreign minister, told the Telegraph that although he had never met Mr Corbyn he had been attracted by his speeches.

"I find that he has very good sympathy and support for the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian struggle and he is frankly against the occupation, against the racist policy of Israel, against settlements," said Mr Hamad.

"According to his statements, I feel that he could be very close to the Palestinians, the Arabs and to the Muslims. He supports all the right things in the world regarding freedom, justice, dignity, the right of people under occupation to get their national rights.

"If he really became the head of the Labour Party, he can make a big change to the image of Britain because people here in Palestine feel that Britain has a historical responsibility, in giving Israel the golden chance of establishing their state on the account of the Palestinian people."

Mr Hamad said Hamas expected Mr Corbyn to “move from words to deeds” and claimed that Israel would try to “destroy” the Islington North MP if he became leader.

A source close to Hamas leader Ismail Haniya told the Telegraph that Mr Corbyn was “a man of conscience… a man of justice, who really understands the rights and wrongs”.

It is not believed either man has paid the £3 fee which would entitle them to join Labour and vote for Mr Corbyn.