Switzerland to Ban Hamas After Oct. 7 Terror Attacks

ZURICH (Reuters) – Switzerland’s government said on Wednesday it wants to ban Hamas after the terror group’s attacks in Israel last year which killed some 1,200 people, Hy”d.

Bern said it was taking action after the attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed two Swiss nationals and resulted in nearly 250 people being taken hostage by the terror group.

The Swiss government said under the new legislation that Hamas and “cover or successor organizations” as well as organizations or groups that act on its behalf or in its name will be banned.

The ban aims to punish Hamas for the attacks as well as prevent the group using Switzerland as a safe haven or carrying out attacks in the country for example by making entry bans or expulsions easier to arrange.

It will also help combat terrorist financing by allowing the Swiss anti-money laundering authorities to better exchange information with counterparts abroad, the government said.

The law, which has entered a consultation phase, will be limited to five years, the government said.