Israel urges India to ban Hamas amid Gaza offensive

As it continues its military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Israel has renewed its call for India to officially designate the group as a terrorist organization. The latest push follows the reported visit of several Hamas leaders to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) last month during "Kashmir Solidarity Day."

This visit is believed to be the first instance of Hamas leaders traveling to POK, where they were joined by members of UN-proscribed terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Israel has reportedly raised concerns over the development with Indian authorities.

Despite India's unequivocal condemnation of the October 7, 2023, terror attacks on Israel and its strong stance against terrorism, Hamas has not been officially banned in India. Many Western nations, including the United States and the European Union, have already designated Hamas as a terrorist organization.

In contrast, Israel had taken action against Pakistan-based LeT in 2023, banning the group responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks. At the time, then-Israeli Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, expressed hope that India would reciprocate by proscribing Hamas, citing intelligence shared with Indian authorities regarding the group's activities.

The question of banning Hamas has also surfaced in the Indian Parliament. However, the Ministry of External Affairs has maintained that such designations are governed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and are considered by the relevant government agencies based on legal provisions.

India continues to walk a diplomatic tightrope, balancing its support for Israel’s right to self-defense against terrorism while maintaining its historical ties with the Palestinian people.

New Delhi has consistently advocated for a negotiated two-state solution, calling for the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine coexisting peacefully alongside Israel within secure and recognized borders. Additionally, India has backed Palestine’s bid for UN membership.