British Labour part leader Jeremy Corbyn expressed some regret for having described members of terrorist groups Hamas and Hezbollah as “friends,” as he appeared at the House of Commons’ Home Affairs Select Committee of inquiry into anti-Semitism.

Keith Vaz, Committee chairman, asked Corbyn a series of questions about his associations with anti-Semites and opponents of Israel.

On Hamas and Hezbollah, he said his reference to them as “friends” was “inclusive language I used, which with hindsight I wish I had not used. I regret using those words”.

After being prompted a number of times, he admitted the Hamas charter was anti-Semitic, The Jewish Chronicle reported.

He asked whether Corbyn was “fostering a period where antisemitism” exists in his party.

“That is unfair. I want a party that is open for all,” Corbyn responded. “Many Jewish groups in the party, some are critical, some are not.”

He said he had spent his career opposing racism. “A long time ago there were sometimes antisemitic remarks made, when I first joined the party and later on. In recent years, no, and in my constituency not at all,’’ he said.

He was also questioned about former London Mayor Ken Livingstone’s comment that Hitler supported Zionism. “Ken Livingstone made remarks that are wholly unacceptable and wrong,” Corbyn said.

Vaz challenged Corbyn on his comments comparing Israel to Daesh, for which he was subsequently criticised by leaders of the Jewish community, including Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis.

“At no stage did I make that comparison. I’m disappointed that reference was made by the Chief Rabbi," he responded.