The Australian Government is relisting terrorist organisations Hamas, Hizballah, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, along with 30 other entities and 10 individuals, for counter-terrorism financing sanctions, Senator Penny Wong announced on Friday.
These counter-terrorism listings, which expire every three years, are being renewed ahead of their 2025 expiry date. Hamas has been listed in Australia since 2001.
The government is also imposing new sanctions on three individuals and one entity linked to Hamas, reflecting recent changes in the organisation’s leadership. In a post on X, Senator Wong said:
“The Albanese Government has zero tolerance for foreign interference and violence in Australia. We will not tolerate attempts to undermine the safety of Australians or sow division in our community.”
The sanctions target Mr Izz al-Din al-Haddad, who has served as Hamas’ leader and military commander since May 2025, and includes a senior financial facilitator and a currency exchange used to transfer funds and cryptocurrency to the group.
“The Albanese Government remains unequivocal in its condemnation of Hamas and continues to call for the immediate, unconditional and dignified release of the hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks,” Senator Wong said.
Senator Wong added that Australia continues to work with the international community to isolate Hamas and prevent its involvement in any future Palestinian state.
Under Australian law, dealing with the assets of listed individuals or entities is a criminal offence, punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment and/or heavy fines. A consolidated list of sanctions is available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s website.
In a related development, Australia joined G7 Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) members and associates in condemning transnational repression by Iran. The statement highlighted attempts by Iranian intelligence services to kill, kidnap, and harass political opponents abroad, as well as operations targeting journalists and Jewish communities.
“The G7 RRM stands in solidarity with our international partners whose citizens and residents have also been targeted by Iran,” the statement said, emphasising the group’s commitment to safeguarding sovereignty and protecting communities from foreign interference.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
