The Swiss government announced on Wednesday 22 that it would present a bill to ban the activities of Hamas or supporters of the terrorist group on its territory.
The draft law, which must be presented by the end of February, is being drawn up by the ministries of Justice and Police as well as Defense, Civil Protection and Sport. The Federal Council also stated that it would terminate contracts with three Palestine cooperation NGOs that have connections to the terrorist group.
On October 11, four days after Hamas massacred Israeli civilians and kidnapped 239 people, the Swiss government designated Hamas a terrorist organization.
Read the full statement from the Swiss government:
“At its meeting on November 22, 2023, the Federal Council decided to propose to parliament a federal law banning Hamas in Switzerland. [O Conselho] has commissioned the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) and the Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) to draft the draft law. The Federal Council was also informed about the audit by the EDA [Departamento Federal de Relações Exteriores, na sigla em inglês] on financial flows to Swiss NGO partners as part of its cooperation program for the region. Contracts with three Palestinian NGOs are terminated. In view of the current dramatic situation in Israel and Gaza, the Federal Council calls for respect for international humanitarian law and, in particular, for the protection of the civilian population.
On October 11, 2023, four days after Hamas carried out terrorist attacks against civilians in Israel from the Gaza Strip, the Federal Council decided to classify Hamas as a terrorist organization. It instructed the EDA to examine legal options for banning the organization. On November 22nd, the Federal Council decided to draft a federal law banning Hamas, as it sees this as the most appropriate response to the situation that has prevailed in the Middle East since October 7th. The law will provide federal authorities with the necessary tools to combat any Hamas activities or support the organization in Switzerland. The Federal Council has commissioned the FDJPD and the DDPS to submit the draft law together with the EDA by the end of February 2024.
On October 11, the Federal Council also commissioned the FDFA to carry out a detailed analysis of the financial flows in connection with partner NGOs in the 20212024 cooperation program for the region. At the meeting on November 22nd, the Federal Council was informed about the results of the previous analyzes, which did not reveal any irregularities, as well as about the new control measures planned for the future.
In addition, eleven partner NGOs were thoroughly checked for compliance with the EDA Code of Conduct and the antidiscrimination clause in their contracts. For eight of them, no evidence of noncompliance could be found and their contractual relationship with the EDA will be continued. However, a further three were found to have breaches which led to the termination of their contracts.
Finally, at its meeting today, the Federal Council reiterated its strongest condemnation of the Hamas terrorist attacks. Expresses deep sorrow for the thousands of civilians who have lost their lives in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories since October 7. It recognizes Israel’s right to ensure its own defense and security and reiterates that the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law are obligations of all parties. In view of the dramatic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, the Federal Council emphasizes the need to ensure unhindered humanitarian access. Humanitarian breaks are necessary for this. On November 1, 2023, the Federal Council provided an additional 90 million francs in humanitarian aid for the region. The Federal Council reiterates the need to restore the prospect of a political framework in the region based on the twostate solution. This approach is the only viable way to ensure that the Palestinian and Israeli populations can live together peacefully, safely and with dignity.”