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Switzerland to Enact Hamas Ban From May 15
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 30, 2025
1 min readLast updated: January 24, 2026
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Switzerland will enforce a ban on Hamas from May 15 to prevent the group from using the country as a safe haven, following their attack on Israel.
Switzerland to Implement Ban on Hamas from May 15
ZURICH (Reuters) - A new Swiss law banning Hamas and related organisations will come into force on May 15, the government said on Wednesday, aiming to prevent the Palestinian militant group from using Switzerland as a safe haven by making entry bans or expulsions easier to arrange.
The law, which was approved by parliament last December and came in the wake of Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, gives Swiss authorities "the necessary tools to take action against Hamas activities or support for the organisation in Switzerland," the government said.
The Gaza war started after Hamas' attack which killed 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, Israel's offensive on the enclave has killed more than 52,000, according to local Palestinian health officials.
The Swiss law enables preventive police measures such as entry bans or expulsions, and also makes it more difficult for Hamas to use Switzerland as a financial hub for its activities.
(Reporting by John Revill; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
Key Takeaways
- •Switzerland will ban Hamas from May 15.
- •The law aims to prevent Hamas from using Switzerland as a safe haven.
- •Swiss authorities can now enforce entry bans and expulsions.
- •The law was approved following Hamas' attack on Israel.
- •The ban makes it harder for Hamas to use Switzerland financially.
Frequently Asked Questions about Switzerland to enact Hamas ban from May 15
1What is the main topic?
The main topic is Switzerland's new law banning Hamas and related organizations, effective from May 15.
2Why is Switzerland enacting this law?
The law aims to prevent Hamas from using Switzerland as a safe haven and financial hub.
3What measures does the Swiss law include?
The law includes preventive police measures like entry bans and expulsions against Hamas.
