Argentina classifies Hamas as terrorist organization

Argentina has classified the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas as a terrorist organization.

"Hamas has claimed responsibility for the atrocities committed during the attack on Israel on October 7. These are part of a long history of terrorist attacks in the name of Hamas," the office of President Javier Milei announced on Friday evening.

The United States, Canada and the European Union listed Hamas as a terrorist organization long ago. But Argentina is one of the few countries to have taken this step in Latin America, along with Paraguay and Costa Rica.

Other countries such as Colombia and Bolivia broke off their relations with Israel due to its offensive in the Gaza Strip.

Milei is seen as a staunch ally of Israel and unreservedly supports the policy of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government in the war in Gaza.

The Jewish community in the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires is one of the largest outside Israel.