Executive Summary

The Swiss Federal Council adopted a report on 12 June 2026 on measures against Hamas and other terrorist organizations. The report analyzes existing and newly created legal instruments for combating terrorism. The Federal Act on the Prohibition of Hamas came into force on 15 May 2025 and defines Hamas as a terrorist organization under the Criminal Code. Switzerland relies on a combination of organizational bans, sanctions, financial controls, and international cooperation. Since October 2023, approximately forty suspicious reports concerning possible Hamas financing have been received by the Money Laundering Reporting Office (MROS).

Persons

  • Federal Council (collective body; decision-maker)

Topics

  • Combating terrorism
  • Money laundering and terrorism financing
  • International law and sanctions
  • Swiss security policy

Clarus Lead

The report marks a political assessment following the Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023 and signals that Switzerland considers its defense system to be functional. The adoption occurs under pressure from two parliamentary motions to expand coverage to Hezbollah – a decision that entails significant compliance requirements for financial intermediaries and authorities. Switzerland's international involvement in the Counter Terrorist Financing Taskforce Israel underscores the intertwining of national and multilateral security architectures in the Middle East context.

Detailed Summary

The Swiss system for combating terrorism financing rests on four pillars: The Money Laundering Act (GwG) obligates financial intermediaries to exercise due diligence and promptly report suspicious assets. The classification of Hamas as a terrorist organization simplifies evidence gathering and improves risk assessments. The Embargo Act (EmbG) enables the adoption of EU sanctions against persons and entities associated with Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) – introduced on 10 April 2024. Transparency requirements for associations (since 1 January 2023) – commercial register entry, member list, local representation – close regulatory gaps, particularly for charitable organizations.

The Money Laundering Reporting Office (MROS) has registered approximately forty suspicious reports concerning Hamas financing since October 2023; in many cases, risks were identified in associations and foundations with humanitarian profiles. The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office is conducting numerous proceedings on terrorism financing. Switzerland is involved through the MROS in the international Counter Terrorist Financing Taskforce Israel (CTFTI) to combat terrorism financing in the Middle East context.

Key Statements

  • The Federal Council assesses the current defense system against terrorism as effective and sufficient
  • The Hamas prohibition law (in force since 15 May 2025) creates legal certainty and simplifies prosecution
  • Approximately forty suspicious reports concerning Hamas financing have been registered since October 2023, predominantly in associations with charitable activities
  • New transparency requirements for associations (since January 2023) close control gaps
  • International cooperation through the CTFTI strengthens the fight against terrorism financing in the Middle East context

Critical Questions

  1. Evidence/Data Quality: What concrete results have the forty suspicious reports on Hamas financing produced by June 2026 – how many led to criminal proceedings or asset freezes?

  2. Evidence/Source Validity: What empirical data underpin the Federal Council's assessment that the defense system is "effective and sufficient"? What metrics were used?

  3. Conflicts of Interest/Independence: To what extent might the new transparency requirements for associations disproportionately burden legitimate humanitarian organizations and lead to over-regulation?

  4. Causality/Alternatives: Has it been proven that the Hamas prohibition law (from May 2025) has led to measurable changes in financing patterns, or is it a preventive measure without prior impact measurement?

  5. Feasibility/Risks: How is it ensured that financial intermediaries and associations correctly implement the new reporting obligations without blocking legitimate donation flows?

  6. Causality/Counter-Hypotheses: Could terrorist financing flows divert to informal channels (Hawala, cryptocurrencies) that are not captured by existing measures?

Source Directory

Primary Source: Federal Council – Report "Measures Against Hamas, Other Terrorist Organizations and Actors Violating International Law" (12.06.2026) – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/IbfIJmNrw51F

Verification Status: ✓ 12.06.2026

This text was created with the assistance of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: 12.06.2026