Swiss Government Backs Labeling Hamas as Terrorist Organization

(Bloomberg) — Switzerland’s government said it supports labeling Hamas a terrorist organization in a move that would make it more difficult for the group to collect and route funds through the country.

The decision comes a day after a key parliament committee called on the executive to ban Hamas in Switzerland and officially design it as a terrorist group. Traditionally neutral Switzerland had so far refused to align with the EU and the US in its stance toward Hamas, trying instead to position itself as a negotiator in Middle East conflicts.

In its statement on Wednesday, the Federal Council also said it “condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist acts carried out by Hamas against civilians in Israel from the Gaza Strip and recognizes Israel’s legitimate desire for national defense and security.”

A classification as a terrorist organization would deal a blow to the group’s funding, potentially cutting it off from Switzerland’s banking system. Unlike in the US, the UK or the EU, Hamas can open bank accounts in Switzerland, according to finance and law expert Mark Pieth.

Read More: Swiss Lawmakers Move to Label Hamas a Terrorist Organization

Still, even with the government’s support it will still take time before Switzerland officially enacts its decision, according to a to a foreign ministry spokesman. The government appointed a task force to carry out analysis and implement the new status.

The country doesn’t have its own list of terrorist groups but instead refers to the United Nations classification which doesn’t include Hamas, the spokesman said. Switzerland will likely require a new law, he added. 

The country banned militant organizations Islamic State and al-Qaeda with a special law in 2014, making it illegal to work or collect money for those groups. Drafting and passing such a law for Hamas would require approval of both houses of parliament and could take several years.

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