Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what written assurances her Department has given to international NGOs operating in Gaza that the proscription of Hamas as a terrorist organisation will not adversely affect their work.

Hamas’ proscription was extended to cover the organisation in its entirety in November 2021. The US, Canada and the EU also designate the group in its entirety as a terrorist organisation.

The Government is confident that the UK’s counter-terrorism framework, including the proscription power, does not prevent organisations from operating overseas. This includes international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) delivering legitimate humanitarian aid.

In October 2021, the Government published an updated Information Note, primarily for INGOs, on operating within counter-terrorism legislation, sanctions, and export controls. Ministers of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office have also met with INGOs to discuss Hamas’ extended proscription.