Australian authorities have reclassified Hamas and Hezbollah as organizations subject to counter-terrorism sanctions, impacting national security measures | Australian counter-terrorism and security measures

Three extremist organizations, including Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and Hezbollah, among others, have been added back to the list for sanctions related to counter-terrorism financing. These relistings, conducted by the federal government, include 30 entities and 10 individuals. The sanctions are renewed ahead of their expiration in 2025. Hamas has been on the list since 2001. Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that new sanctions have been imposed on three individuals and one entity associated with Hamas, reflecting changes in the leadership of the organization. The sanctions target Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the leader and military commander of Hamas since May 2025, a member of the Hamas politburo and senior financial facilitator, and a currency exchange used for transferring funds and cryptocurrency to Hamas. Wong emphasized the government’s firm stance against Hamas and its call for the immediate and dignified release of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks. Breaching Australian sanctions laws can result in up to 10 years’ imprisonment and/or heavy fines. The relistings are part of the government’s efforts to combat terrorism and antisemitism, including the designation of the online far-right extremist group Terrorgram as a terrorist organization in June.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/sep/13/hamas-and-hezbollah-among-groups-relisted-by-australia-for-counter-terrorism-sanctions