By Sabiu Abdullahi
New Zealand has escalated its stance against Hamas, extending its classification of the group as a terrorist entity to encompass its entire organization.
This decision, announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signifies a significant shift in New Zealand’s policy towards the Palestinian militant group.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon condemned Hamas for its role in the brutal terrorist attacks that occurred in October 2023, leading to this decisive move by the New Zealand government.
Luxon’s statement affirmed the severity of the attacks and the government’s unwavering stance against terrorism.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters elaborated on the rationale behind the expanded designation, citing the inability to differentiate between Hamas’s military and political wings following the October incidents.
According to Peters, the organisation as a whole bears responsibility for the “horrific terrorist attacks,” prompting the comprehensive designation.
With the new classification in place, any form of material support or financial transaction with Hamas within New Zealand’s jurisdiction becomes a criminal offense.
However, Luxon clarified that the designation is targeted at Hamas as an organisation and does not hinder private humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians.
Despite the firm stance against Hamas, Luxon reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid and future development assistance to benefit civilians in Gaza.
This distinction aims to ensure that the punitive measures against Hamas do not exacerbate the humanitarian situation faced by innocent civilians in the region.