Switzerland Designates Hamas as a Terrorist Organization, a Step Backed by Gideon Sa'ar

On Wednesday, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar commended Switzerland for independently designating Hamas as a terrorist organization through primary legislation. The decision, which received overwhelming support in Switzerland's parliament, marks a significant development in the global fight against terrorism.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sa'ar praised Switzerland's move and urged other nations to follow suit. "Hamas is one of the most heinous terror organizations in history—it must be recognized as such worldwide," Sa'ar wrote. This designation follows years of discussion and legislative action, with Switzerland officially recognizing Hamas as a threat after the deadly October 7 attacks on Israel.

Switzerland, known for its policy of neutrality, had previously avoided labeling Hamas a terrorist group. The Swiss government had maintained contact with Hamas in an attempt to influence their adherence to international humanitarian law. However, after the October 7 massacre, which saw more than 1,200 Israelis killed and 250 taken hostage, Switzerland reevaluated its stance. The massacre, considered one of the worst pogroms since the Holocaust, prompted the country to reconsider its diplomatic ties with Hamas.

The Swiss parliament officially voted to ban Hamas with overwhelming support in the House of Representatives, with 168 votes in favor and only six against. The ban is set to last for an initial period of five years, with the possibility of extension.

Switzerland's decision to designate Hamas as a terrorist organization comes in the wake of other global moves to combat the group's violence. The European Union designated Hamas a terrorist organization in 2003, while the United States and the United Kingdom followed suit in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The United Nations, however, has yet to officially include Hamas on its terror list, prompting Switzerland to take independent legislative action.