The federal government has also listed Syrian-based Sunni Islamist militant group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham,al-Qaeda-affiliated group Hurras al-Din and neo-Nazi group the National Socialist Order under the criminal code.
“The views of Hamas and the violent extremist groups listed today are deeply disturbed,and there is no place in Australia for such views,” Ms Andrews said on Thursday.
Hamas’ military branch,the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades,has been proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the Australian government since 2003. A bipartisan inquiry by the intelligence and security committee late last yearrecommended all of Hamas be listed,saying the group’s military wing was intertwined with its political arm.
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The government’s decision could have diplomatic ramifications. Australia has a consular presence in the Gaza Strip,where Hamas administers government services.
The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network president Bishop George Browning said the decision showed the Australian government had failed to advance the cause of peace.
“The entire process leading up to this designation has been led by those who have a political barrow to push,with only pro-Israeli groups being sought out for evidence,” he said.