Switzerland to Enforce Nationwide Ban on Hamas Starting May 15

Switzerland is set to implement a new law banning Hamas and its affiliated organizations from operating within its borders, starting May 15. The Swiss government confirmed the move on Wednesday, signaling a significant shift in its stance toward extremist groups and reinforcing its commitment to national and international security.

The law, originally passed by the Swiss Parliament in December 2023, comes in response to the deadly Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. That assault left 1,200 people dead and resulted in 251 hostages being taken into Gaza, according to Israeli figures.

Since then, the war in Gaza has escalated dramatically, with more than 52,000 reported deaths in the enclave, as stated by Palestinian health officials.

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Switzerland’s new legislation empowers authorities to take stronger action against any activity linked to Hamas within the country. This includes the ability to prevent individuals associated with the group from entering the country and to deport those already on Swiss soil who are believed to support or promote the organization.

By closing these gaps, Switzerland aims to eliminate any opportunities for Hamas to use the country as a base for planning, fundraising, or organizing its operations.

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Officials emphasized that this law is designed to provide a stronger legal framework that allows Switzerland to actively disrupt extremist activities and prevent the nation from being misused as a financial or logistical hub.

The government has also stated that these measures align with the broader goal of maintaining internal security while supporting international counterterrorism efforts.

Though known for its traditional neutrality, Switzerland’s decision reflects the growing urgency among global democracies to clamp down on terrorist threats in the wake of heightened Middle East tensions.

As countries around the world respond to the implications of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Switzerland’s move underscores a firmer, more preventive approach in handling security threats and ensuring its territory is not exploited for hostile purposes.