Hamas to remain on EU terror blacklist

HAMAS IS to remain on the European Union’s terrorism blacklist.

The decision by the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg — the EU’s highest court — was announced on Wednesday morning.

It reverses a 2014 ruling by the General Court which sought to annul the original 2001 terror listing of Hamas, which froze its assets in the EU and instituted travel bans for known members.

The lower court had ruled that the EU’s original classification of Hamas had been based on internet reports and hearsay instead of an independent investigation, and was therefore invalid.

However, in its ruling on Wednesday, the ECJ said the EU was not legally obliged to undertake such an investigation, and that groups could be listed if “there is an ongoing risk of that person or entity being involved in the terrorist activities.

“The ECJ therefore sets aside the 2014 judgment of the General Court,” the statement continued.

“It refers the case back to the General Court so that the latter may examine the facts and arguments on which it did not rule in its 2014 judgment.”

Israel’s embassy to the European Union tweeted that it “welcome[d] the ECJ ruling which confirmed the legality of Hamas listing in 2010-2014.

“The EU continues to consider Hamas a terrorist organisation; measures restricting its activity remain in force.”