The Government is making it illegal for New Zealanders to support Hamas. 

It's designated Hamas' political wing a terrorist entity, the same as its military wing.

It will also ban from New Zealand several extremist Israeli settlers who have committed violent attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank.

Strategic analyst Paul Buchanan told Mike Hosking that it's about tightening relations with security partners and won't dismantle Hamas. 

He says it also runs contrary to the majority of world opinion, which sees a distinction between the political and armed wings of Hamas.

LISTEN ABOVE

The Government is making it illegal for New Zealanders to support Hamas.  
It's designated Hamas' political wing a terrorist entity, the same as its military wing. 
It will also ban from New Zealand several extremist Israeli settlers who have committed violent attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank. 
Strategic analyst Paul Buchanan told Mike Hosking that it's about tightening relations with security partners and won't dismantle Hamas.  
He says it also runs contrary to the majority of world opinion, which sees a distinction between the political and armed wings of Hamas. 
LISTEN ABOVE

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.