Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee approved a bill proposing that Hamas and Hezbollah be designated terrorist organizations and face political and economic sanctions. (Foto: Instagram)
The Chamber of Deputies’ Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee approved a bill on Wednesday, Nov. 11, that would designate Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations. The measure also proposes political and economic sanctions against the two groups. Approval by the committee does not mean the bill has become law.
The bill, numbered 4,894/2023, was introduced in 2023 by Abilio Brunini, a former federal lawmaker. Its rapporteur, Deputy Carla Dickson, said the proposed designation would make it possible to take broader action against the groups.
“Explicitly classifying these organizations provides an objective legal basis for identifying them and for cracking down on financing, recruitment and other criminal conduct connected to these entities, which cause so much harm,” Dickson said during the committee session.
Despite the committee’s vote, Brazil’s federal government does not recognize Hamas or Hezbollah as terrorist groups. Brazil has historically adopted such designations only when they have been approved by the United Nations Security Council, according to the report.
The Security Council has designated groups including al-Qaeda, founded by Osama bin Laden; the Islamic State, also known as ISIS; and Boko Haram, which operates in Nigeria, as terrorist organizations. The United Nations has not reached an agreement to designate Hamas and Hezbollah.
