9 out of 195 countries have designated Hamas as a terrorist organisation.

There are 195 recognised sovereign states in the world today. This includes 193 member states of the United Nations and two observer states:

• The Holy See (Vatican City) and
• Palestine

As for states, the term can refer to different administrative divisions within countries, such as the:-

• 50 states in the United States
• 28 states in India.
• 27 countries in the European Union
• The number of such states globally would be much higher and vary significantly depending on the country's administrative structure.

HAMAS

Taking account of the above, and in the round, as of now, Approximately X9 countries/states have designated Hamas as a terrorist organisation.

1. In light of terrorist financing (TF), the Government of Jersey's comprehensive programme to combat financial crime has produced detailed guidance on specific countries that may present a higher risk of facilitating TF. 
2. This guidance outlines the rigorous methodology employed to CREATE THE LIST OF HIGHER RISK TF COUNTRIES and presents the results of applying this method. The list identifies specific countries where greater care should be taken when forming business relationships or undertaking one-off transactions with persons that have, or are associated with, a connection to them. The risks associated with each country are distinct, as is the approach to addressing those risks.
3. The measures that must be deployed depend on which risk area is being addressed. This list represents the output of recent work focusing on the national threat as part of the TF risk assessment work. It is published in line with paragraph 7.5.8 of the Update on Terrorist Financing National Risk Assessment, published in May 2023.

JERSEY GOVERNMENT SAYS THIS LIST:-

• Will be updated regularly to maintain its usefulness as an advisory tool OR
• It may also need to be updated ad hoc.

THE CURRENT LIST WAS UPDATED IN SEPTEMBER 2023

SOURCE  https://www.gov.je/industry/finance/financialcrime/pages/moneylaunderingterroristfinancing.aspx / https://www.gov.je/Industry/Finance/FinancialCrime/NationalRiskAssesmnents/Pages/NationalRiskAssessmentTerroristFinancing.aspx

When I looked at the list, my mind was drawn to Qatar. It is clear Qatar has a complex and multifaceted relationship with Hamas, and this presents a risk to such countries and terrorists as Jersey.

Qatar’s Relationship with Hamas

• Qatar has been a significant financial supporter of Hamas, providing substantial funds to the organisation over the years.
• This support includes direct financial aid and hosting Hamas leaders in Doha. Qatar's backing has helped Hamas maintain its governance in Gaza.
• Despite this, Qatar also positions itself as a mediator in conflicts involving Hamas, leveraging its influence to facilitate negotiations and reduce tensions.

Concluding thoughts

1. Managing terrorist financing is complex and challenging, significantly when perceptions of groups like Hamas vary widely. The phrase "one man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist" highlights the subjective nature of these designations. Here are a few key points to consider:
2. Differing Perspectives - Political and Ideological Views:
1. Countries and groups may view the same organisation differently.
2. For example, some see Hamas as a legitimate resistance movement fighting for Palestinian self-determination. In contrast, others view it as a terrorist organisation due to its militant activities and attacks on civilians.
3. In the Middle East, regional alliances and rivalries significantly influence how groups like Hamas are perceived and supported.
4. Countries like Qatar and Turkey have provided support to Hamas, while others, such as Israel and the United States, have designated it as a terrorist organisation.

3. Challenges in Financial Regulation - Complex Financial Networks:

1. Terrorist organisations often use sophisticated methods to move and launder money, making it difficult for authorities to track and intercept funds.
2. These methods include charities, front companies, and informal money transfer systems.

4. International Cooperation: Effective management of terrorist financing requires robust international cooperation.

1. 1. Differing national policies and priorities can hinder coordinated efforts.
   2. For instance, while some countries may impose strict sanctions on entities linked to Hamas, others may not, creating loopholes that can be exploited.

    5 . Balancing Security and Humanitarian Concerns

1. 1. Humanitarian Impact: Preventing terrorist financing can sometimes inadvertently affect humanitarian aid. For example, sanctions and financial restrictions aimed at Hamas can complicate the delivery of essential services and aid to civilians in Gaza.

     6. Legal and Ethical Considerations:

1. 1. Governments and financial institutions must navigate a complex legal landscape to ensure their actions comply with international laws, respect human rights, and effectively counter-terrorist financing.

     7. Conclusion

1. 1. The task of managing terrorist financing is fraught with challenges due to the varying perceptions of groups like Hamas.
   2. It requires a nuanced approach that balances security concerns with humanitarian needs and respects the diverse political and ideological landscapes.

Source:  

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5. JerseyGov - https://www.gov.je/industry/finance/financialcrime/pages/moneylaunderingterroristfinancing.aspx
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14. National Counterterrorism Center | Terrorist Groups. https://www.dni.gov/nctc/terrorist_groups/lebanese_hizballah.html.
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16. United Arab Emirates¹(https://www.terrorism-info.org.il/en/more-countries-have-recently-declared-all-of-hezbollah-a-terrorist-organization-but-some-eu-countries-still-refrain-from-doing-so/)²(https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-52484247)³(https://www.aipac.org/resources/hezbollah-100-percent-terrorist-organization-5trfp-8jptm-9jwwp).
17. More countries have recently declared all of Hezbollah a terrorist .... https://www.terrorism-info.org.il/en/more-countries-have-recently-declared-all-of-hezbollah-a-terrorist-organization-but-some-eu-countries-still-refrain-from-doing-so/.
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