Hamas expressed its strong rejection and condemnation on Thursday of the Swiss authorities' decision to ban the movement's activities, describing the decision as "a dangerous bias toward the Israeli occupation and a denial of the legal and humanitarian obligations" that neutral countries are supposed to adhere to.

In a statement, the movement expressed its regret over the issuance of this decision by a country like Switzerland, historically known for its neutral stance and defense of the principles of international humanitarian law.

Hamas considered this move to represent an unjustified bias against the Palestinian people and their just cause, and a challenge to the legitimacy of their legitimate resistance against the occupation, especially in light of the ongoing "war of genocide" waged by the Israeli occupation against the Gaza Strip.

The Swiss government announced on Wednesday its decision to ban Hamas and all groups associated with it. The new law will take effect on May 15.

The decision includes a ban on all movement activities within Swiss territory, as well as a ban on any form of support for it, whether financial or logistical. The law also grants authorities the power to impose entry bans on individuals associated with the movement and deport them from the country.

This decision comes as part of what Swiss officials described as efforts to block the use of Swiss territory as a financial or logistical center for Hamas activities.

They explained that the ban aims to enhance internal security and prevent support for those classified by Switzerland as terrorist groups.

Switzerland joins a growing list of European countries that have taken similar decisions, including Germany, which banned Hamas in November 2023, less than a month after the movement's "Operation Breaking Dawn" on October 7 of the same year.

The United States, the European Union, Canada, and the United Kingdom have all previously designated Hamas as a "terrorist" organization and imposed a comprehensive ban on its activities.