He said there was agreement among committee members that Hamas operated as a singular entity with overlapping personnel, finances and structure.
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“In addition, leaders of Hamas have repeatedly made statements which meet the advocacy test for terrorist listing, including direct incitement of acts of violence against Jewish people.”
In its submission to the inquiry, the Zionist Federation of Australia said the military wing could not be separated from Hamas.
“Second, even if the false distinction between the Brigades and the rest of Hamas is maintained, the non-Brigades part of Hamas directly or indirectly prepares, plans and assists in the doing of terrorist acts, through recruitment, procurement of arms and finances, and vocal encouragement for the Brigades,” the ZFA said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which has a small consular operation of about 10 people in Gaza, raised concerns it would need to make changes if all of Hamas were declared a terror group.
The review found DFAT’s concerns “cannot take precedence over national security and Australia’s continuing fight against terrorism”.
Mike Burgess, director-general of the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation, said he would be supportive of expanding the listing of Hamas but noted it would be of no operational benefit to his agency.
The recommendation comes after the committee in June made a similar recommendation to list all of Lebanese militant group Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation.
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Bipartisan inquiry urges government to consider listing all of Hamas as terror group
Source: Philippines Alive
