NZ designates Hamas as terrorist org, announces ‘extremist Israeli settler’ travel ban

On February 29th, New Zealand announced that it had designated Hamas as a terrorist organization. This move came after Israel's military operation in Gaza Strip following an attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7th. The announcement was made by the New Zealand government and was based on evidence of Hamas' involvement in terrorist activities, including rocket attacks against civilian targets in Israel.

In addition to designating Hamas as a terrorist organization, New Zealand also announced travel bans on "extremist Israeli settlers." This decision was made in response to concerns about the ongoing settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which are considered illegal under international law. The bans will affect individuals who have been involved in the construction or expansion of these settlements, as well as those who have provided support for such activities.

The designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization by New Zealand is significant because it marks a shift in the international community's stance on the group. While Hamas has long been considered a radical Islamic organization with ties to terrorism, many countries have been hesitant to label it as such due to concerns about its role in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, the recent attacks by Hamas against Israel and the resulting military operation have prompted a reevaluation of the group's status.

The travel bans on "extremist Israeli settlers" are also significant because they represent a growing effort to pressure Israel to end its settlement policies in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Many countries, including New Zealand, consider these settlements to be illegal under international law and believe that they are a major obstacle to peace between Israel and Palestine. By imposing travel bans on individuals involved in these activities, New Zealand is sending a message that such behavior will not be tolerated.

Overall, the designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization and the announcement of travel bans on "extremist Israeli settlers" by New Zealand reflect the growing international concern about the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role that extremist groups like Hamas play in it. These actions are likely to have significant implications for both Israel and Palestine, as well as for the broader international community.