Summary

The Swiss Department of Economy, Education and Research (WBF) updated the sanctions ordinance against Hamas and Islamic Jihad supporters on February 18, 2026. One entry for a natural person was modified, and another was deleted. The changes take effect on the same day at 11:00 PM. These measures are part of Swiss sanctions policy against organizations classified as terrorists.

Persons

  • No persons named

Topics

  • Sanctions law
  • Counter-terrorism
  • International security
  • Swiss foreign policy

Clarus Lead

Switzerland is updating its sanctions list against supporters of Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The WBF modified one entry and deleted another. The measures take effect immediately and affect persons and organizations that support these groups classified as terrorists.

Detailed Summary

The Swiss Federal Office of Economy has clarified the ordinance on measures against persons and organizations supporting Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Two entries in the ordinance's appendix were adjusted: one was modified, one deleted. These adjustments are part of the continuous review of sanctions lists.

The changes take effect on February 18, 2026 at 11:00 PM and are thus immediately valid. The measures target persons and organizations that actively support or finance these groups classified as terrorists.

Key Points

  • One natural person was removed from the sanctions list, another modified
  • Immediate Effect: Measures take effect on February 18, 2026 at 11:00 PM
  • Continuous Adjustment: Switzerland regularly reviews and updates its sanctions lists

Critical Questions

  1. Evidence: What specific findings do the changes to the entries rely on – were new pieces of information about the affected persons obtained or has their situation changed?

  2. Transparency: Why are the names of the affected persons not made public, and how can those affected challenge their listing?

  3. Causality: Does Switzerland distinguish between direct support and indirect connection to these organizations in its sanctions, and according to what criteria is this distinction made?

  4. Legal Certainty: How is it ensured that the deleted person will not be sanctioned again, and what rehabilitation mechanisms exist?

  5. Coordination: Are these changes coordinated with international partners (UN, EU, USA), or are they unilateral Swiss measures?

  6. Implementation: What practical impacts do these measures have on financial institutions and companies, and how are compliance requirements enforced?

Source Index

Primary Source: Sanctions: Ordinance on measures against persons and organizations supporting Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/M5De-GA4uzKeqZBXgJnYS

Verification Status: ✓ February 18, 2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-check: February 18, 2026