By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies

Wellington – New Zealand has officially designated the entire Hamas organization as a terrorist entity, expanding its previous classification that only applied to the group’s military wing. Additionally, the country has imposed travel bans on what it labels as “extremist” Israeli settlers involved in violent attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated that the move comes in response to the brutal onslaught by Hamas on Israel in October, emphasizing the difficulty in distinguishing between the group’s military and political wings due to the Oct. 7 massacre. New Zealand had previously designated the military wing of Hamas as a terrorist entity in 2010.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters asserted that the entirety of Hamas bears responsibility for the October 7 massacre, leading to the comprehensive designation. The decision makes it a criminal offense to engage in property or financial transactions with Hamas, provide material support, and freeze any Hamas assets in New Zealand.

The sanctions, however, do not hinder New Zealand from providing humanitarian and future development assistance for civilians in Gaza. The country will continue to offer consular support to its citizens or permanent residents in the conflict zone.

Prime Minister Luxon expressed serious concern about the notable increase in extremist violence carried out by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in recent months. He emphasized the destabilizing effect of such actions, particularly amid the ongoing crisis. New Zealand has consistently held the position that Israeli settlements in the West Bank violate international law.

Several other countries, including the US, UK, and France, have also implemented sanctions against violent settlers in recent months. New Zealand reaffirmed its support for a future Palestinian state as part of a negotiated two-state solution, urging an end to the current conflict and a prompt restart of the Middle East peace process.