Blacklisting Hamas: A Key to Ending the Conflict in Gaza

Strategic Insights -

A fragile ceasefire has taken hold in Gaza, following the completion of the first phase of the Trump administration's plan to end the conflict. However, for the conflict to truly be resolved, Hamas needs to be disarmed and dismantled. Blacklisting Hamas via United Nations sanctions would be a major contribution to this, and Canada is uniquely placed to help lead the effort. The UN designation would restrict Hamas's access to finances, arms, and other resources, giving the organization's leadership worldwide travel and transaction restrictions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Trump administration's plan to end the conflict in Gaza has completed its first phase, and a fragile ceasefire has been established, but Hamas needs to be disarmed and dismantled to truly end the conflict.
  • Blacklisting Hamas via United Nations sanctions would restrict the organization's access to finances, arms, and other resources, and give its leadership worldwide travel and transaction restrictions.
  • Canada is uniquely placed to help lead the effort to blacklist Hamas, due to its role as a founder and active member of the UN, as well as its participation in international efforts to combat terrorism.
  • Existing sanctions against Hamas are incongruous and uncoordinated, with different individuals and entities designated across various jurisdictions.
  • Canada can host a high-level side event or partner with a Security Council member to initiate an Arria-formula briefing at the UN, which would allow for an informal meeting of the Security Council on the subject.
  • Canada can also expand sanctions against Hamas from outside the UN system, by galvanizing the G7 group of influential, like-minded states to coordinate and expand sanctions against Hamas.
  • Hamas relies heavily on a global financial network to fund its activities, and depriving it of this money is a moral imperative that will save lives and secure peace.

Statistics:

  • Over 20 countries, represented at the Sharm El-Sheikh peace summit in Egypt, agreed that Hamas cannot play any role in the governance of Gaza.
  • A UN designation would restrict Hamas's access to finances, arms, and other resources, and give its leadership worldwide travel and transaction restrictions.
  • The Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits the use of landmines, was a major success for Canadian diplomats, who built a global consensus for the treaty.
  • The creation of a peacekeeping force in the Sinai, which won Lester Pearson the Nobel Peace Prize, was also a major initiative by Canadian diplomats.

Sources:

  • The article cites the Sharm El-Sheikh peace summit in Egypt on Monday, attended by world leaders representing more than 20 countries.
  • The article also references the United Nations (UN) and its role in enforcing sanctions under Article 41 of the UN Charter.
  • The Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits the use of landmines, is cited as an example of Canadian diplomats' success in building a global consensus for a major project.
  • The creation of a peacekeeping force in the Sinai, which won Lester Pearson the Nobel Peace Prize, is also mentioned as an example of Canadian diplomats' work.