---
title: "Switzerland to enact Hamas ban from May 15"
description: "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."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "Newsdeck"
author: "Reuters"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/reuters/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-04-30-switzerland-to-enact-hamas-ban-from-may-15/"
published: "2025-04-30T11:59:37"
updated: "2025-04-30T11:59:39"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 125
---

# Switzerland to enact Hamas ban from May 15

> 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.

By Reuters · Published 30 April 2025, 13:59 SAST · Updated 30 April 2025, 13:59 SAST

## Key points
- Switzerland, in a bid to keep its neutrality intact while fending off unwanted Hamas hospitality, has rolled out a law that equips authorities with the means to kick out troublemakers and tighten the financial noose around the militant organization after a particularly bloody episode in the Middle East.
- Switzerland enacts new law to combat Hamas activities post-October 7 attack on Israel.
- Law provides authorities with tools for preventive measures, including entry bans and expulsions.
- The Gaza conflict escalated following Hamas' attack, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
- Legislation aims to curb Hamas' financial operations within Switzerland, enhancing national security.

## Content

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 RevillEditing by Alexandra Hudson)