Federal Council decides to bring in legislation to ban Hamas
Bern, 22.11.2023 - At its meeting on 22 November 2023, the Federal Council decided to propose a federal Act to Parliament banning Hamas in Switzerland. It instructed the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) and the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) to prepare the draft legislation. The Federal Council was also briefed on the audit carried out by the FDFA on financial flows to Switzerland's NGO partners under its cooperation programme for the region. The contracts with three Palestinian NGOs will be 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 the protection of civilians.