Australia to add Hamas to list of terrorist organizations: “There is no room for their hate ideologies”
While the military arm was already part of the list, the Canberra parliament has now ruled that the political arm will also be considered a terrorist group. Bennett: “Another step in the fight against global terrorism”
The Australian government has announced that it will include Hamas – including its political arm – in the list of terrorist organizations.
(Photo: AP)
Hamas’ military wing is already registered as a terrorist organization in Australia, but the country has announced that it is joining Britain, the United States, Israel and more – and has decided to deny the legitimacy of the political wing of the group that controls the Gaza Strip.
Australian Interior Minister Karen Andrews said Hamas’ agenda was “very disturbing. There is no place in Australia for their hate ideologies. It is vital that our laws are directed not only at terrorist and terrorist acts but also at organizations that plan, fund and carry out these actions”.
Under Australian law, anyone charged with the offenses of a terrorist organization, including being a member of a group, recruiting, receiving training or funding funds – can face up to 25 years in prison.
The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) has said it “strongly disagrees” with the Australian government’s ruling, saying the move does nothing to help advance the cause of peace. They raised concerns that the decision “will only cause more suffering for the 2 million people who currently survive under an Israeli siege that has lasted 15 years.”
Peter Wertheim, co-director of the Executive Board of Australian Jewry, welcomed the move and said they “warmly welcome the Australian Government”. Hamas political leaders supervised and participated directly in terrorist acts. .
The Prime Minister of Israel, Naftali Bennett, welcomed the move: “I thank my friend, the Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison, for acting on the issue after our dialogue on this important issue. This is another important step in the global fight against terrorism.”
Foreign Minister Yair Lapid also responded: “I congratulate Australia on the important decision to declare Hamas – in all its arms – a terrorist organization. The declaration will turn membership and / or aiding Hamas into a criminal offense in Australia.”
I welcome Australia’s decision to define the entire Hamas organization as a terrorist organization.
I thank my friend, the Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison, for taking action on this issue following our dialogue on this important issue.
This is another important step in the global fight against terrorism. pic.twitter.com/wdV9MI942w
– Naftali Bennett בנט (ftnaftalibennett) February 17, 2022
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