Switzerland said Wednesday that it should now classify Hamas as a terrorist organisation and was examining its options for doing so, following the group’s “shocking attacks” on Israeli civilians.
The government’s Middle East Task Force, set up in the wake of Saturday’s surprise assault on Israel, will be charged with looking at the legal routes for reclassifying Hamas.
“The Federal Council examined the recent shocking attacks carried out by Hamas against civilians in Israel from the Gaza Strip,” the government said following a meeting Wednesday.
“It condemns in the strongest terms these terrorist acts and calls for the immediate release of the hostages held by Hamas.
“Faced with this situation, Switzerland must be able to act effectively and in a concerted manner.
“The Federal Council is of the opinion that Hamas should be classified as a terrorist organisation.”
The Swiss government did not set out a timetable.
Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis explained on Monday that it was difficult for Switzerland to take the step and list Hamas as a terror organisation, feeling Bern could only go so far as the United Nations.
Both the European Union and the United States have already classified Hamas as a “terrorist” group.
