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New Zealand designated the navy wing of Hamas as a terrorist entity in 2010.
Overseas Minister Winston Peters mentioned the federal government unequivocally condemned the “brutal” terrorist assaults by Hamas in October, and the transfer had been taken after he obtained official recommendation.
“What occurred on 7 October reinforces we are able to now not distinguish between the navy and political wings of Hamas,” Peters mentioned.
“The organisation as an entire bears accountability for these horrific terrorist assaults.”
The designation means any belongings of the terrorist entity in New Zealand are frozen. It additionally makes participation in or supporting Hamas’ actions, or recruiting for it a prison offence.
Nevertheless, Peters made clear the designation wouldn’t have an effect on the availability of humanitarian help to Palestinians, and wouldn’t cease New Zealand offering help to profit civilians in Gaza.
“Nor does it cease us offering consular help to New Zealand residents or everlasting residents within the battle zone,” he mentioned. “We stay gravely involved in regards to the impression of this battle on civilians and can proceed to name for an finish to the violence and an pressing resumption of the Center East Peace Course of.
“An enduring answer to the battle will solely be achieved by peaceable means.”
Peters acknowledged the official recommendation supplied to him had been commissioned by then-Prime Minister Chris Hipkins in October.
Simply over a fortnight earlier, Peters had particularly urged Israel to not start a floor offensive in Rafah, a metropolis in southern Gaza.
A day later, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon issued a joint assertion together with his Australian and Canadian counterparts calling for a similar factor.
It included a name for a direct humanitarian ceasefire, the discharge of hostages, condemned Hamas for its terror assaults on Israel, and mentioned Israel should defend Palestinian civilians.
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