Argentina Designates Hamas as ‘Terrorist Group’

Argentina has officially classified Hamas as a terrorist organization. The announcement was made by the office of Argentine President Javier Milei, who cited the October 7 attack and Hamas' close ties with Iran as key reasons for the designation.

Argentina holds Iran responsible for two deadly attacks on Jewish sites in the country.

The decision underscores Milei's firm commitment to recognizing terrorists for what they are, marking the first time there has been a political will to take such a step.

According to the Associated Press, this symbolic move comes as Milei seeks to forge a strong alliance between Argentina, the United States, and Israel.

The announcement also precedes the 30th anniversary of the 1994 bombing of the Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, which killed 85 people and injured hundreds.

Another attack on the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires in 1992 resulted in over 20 deaths. Argentine courts have accused Hezbollah members of carrying out both attacks.

Previous left-leaning governments in Argentina, home to the largest Jewish community in Latin America, have maintained friendly relations with Israel while also supporting the establishment of a Palestinian state.

However, since taking office in December, Milei has aligned himself closely with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite the intense global pressure on Israel due to its military campaign in Gaza.

This campaign has resulted in the deaths of over 38,000 Palestinians, displaced more than 80% of the Gaza population, and triggered a humanitarian catastrophe.