Concerns grow over Hamas’ presence in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir
Hamas leader Dr. Khalid Al-Qadoumi attended the Kashmir Solidarity and Hamas Operation ‘Al Aqsa Flood’ Conference in Rawalakot, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir(PoK), coinciding with Pakistan’s so-called Kashmir Solidarity Day.
Israel urges India to list Hamas as a terror group
New Delhi: Days after the Hamas leader’s presence at a rally in PoK, Israel has reached out to India, raising concerns about the group’s ties with Pakistan-based terror organizations. Israel has urged New Delhi to designate Hamas as a terrorist organization.
The event on February 5 saw the Hamas leader sharing the stage with leaders from UN-designated terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
Hamas, JeM, and LeT showcase solidarity
The rally featured strong anti-India rhetoric and visuals of Hamas leaders being welcomed by JeM and LeT militants riding bikes and horses, waving Hamas flags.
This marks the first known instance of Hamas openly participating in an event in PoK, raising concerns over the group’s expanding connections with Pakistan-based terror organizations.
India yet to designate Hamas under UAPA
Under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, terrorist organizations can be proscribed based on their activities, financing, and recruitment within Indian territory. However, Hamas has not been listed under this framework.
As of now, 44 organizations, including ISIS (banned in 2015), are proscribed under UAPA, but Hamas remains absent from the list. However, with Hamas making its presence known at a PoK terror gathering near the Line of Control, it is expected to be closely monitored by New Delhi.
Hamas’ global terror designation
Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by multiple countries, including the United States (since 1997), the European Union, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. However, countries like Russia, China, and Turkey have not listed Hamas as a terrorist group.
The group was responsible for the October 7, 2023, attack on Israeli soil, the deadliest in Israel’s history, which led to the Gaza war.
India-Israel counterterrorism cooperation
India and Israel have strengthened ties in recent years, particularly in defense and counterterrorism. The India-Israel Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counterterrorism, established in 2002, meets annually to coordinate efforts on border security, terror financing, and cybersecurity.
