The Swiss government decided to open the consultation on the necessary legal basis to ban Hamas.
The decision was taken after the recognition of Hamas as a terrorist organisation in 11 October 2023. On 7 October, Hamas gunmen launched an attack on Israel, killing almost 1,200 people from Israel and other countries, including two Swiss nationals.
According to the new ‘Federal Act on the Proscription of Hamas and Associated Organisations’, Hamas and cover or successor organisations as well as organisations or groups that act on its behalf or in its name are to be banned.
The Swiss government may also designate organisations and groups as terrorist organisations if they have a particular affinity with Hamas or share its objectives, leadership or resources.
The consultation process lasts until 28 May 2024, according to the Swiss government’s report.
