Switzerland is drawing up legislation to ban the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which it considers a terrorist organisation. A law will be proposed to parliament aimed at providing the necessary legal tools to counter any Hamas activities or support for the organisation in Switzerland.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Federal Council said it believes a Hamas ban to be the “most appropriate response” to the situation that has prevailed in the Middle East since October 7.
It has instructed the Federal Department of Justice and Police and the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport to submit the draft legislation by the end of February 2024.
The Federal Council also decided to terminate cooperation activities with three Palestinian non-governmental organisations (NGOs). This follows the discovery of breaches of contract regarding the code of conduct and contractual anti-discrimination clause.
