Following the recent appearance of a Hamas leader at a rally in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Israel has raised concerns with India about the group’s connections to Pakistan-based terror organisations. Israel has urged India to designate Hamas as a terrorist organisation and hopes for a favourable decision from New Delhi.

Hamas leader Dr. Khalid Al-Qadoumi attended a conference titled “Kashmir Solidarity and Hamas Operation ‘Al Aqsa Flood’ Conference” in Rawalakot, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which was held alongside Pakistan’s so-called Kashmir Solidarity Day.

On February 5, a Hamas leader appeared at an event alongside figures from UN-designated terrorist groups, including Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

The rally included anti-India statements and highlighted cooperation among these groups, with visuals showing Hamas representatives being welcomed by JeM and LeT militants riding bikes and horses while waving Hamas flags. This was the first recorded instance of Hamas publicly participating in an event in PoK, increasing worries about its growing links with Pakistan-based terrorist groups.

India has not designated Hamas as a terrorist organisation under its Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) of 1967. This law enables the Indian government to ban groups based on evidence of their activities, such as operations, funding, or recruitment, within the Indian jurisdiction where it applies.

As of the most recent updates, 44 organisations have been banned under the UAPA, including ISIS, which was proscribed in 2015. However, with reports of Hamas participating in a terror meeting in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), close to the Line of Control, the issue is likely to draw attention in New Delhi.

Hamas is designated as a terrorist organisation by multiple countries, including the United States (since 1997), the European Union, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. However, some nations, such as Russia, China, and Turkey, have not classified it as a terrorist group. Hamas carried out the deadliest attack on Israeli soil on October 7, 2023, triggering a strong military response from Israel, which led to the Gaza War.

India and Israel have maintained their relations in recent years, especially in defence and security, with a focus on counterterrorism cooperation. The India-Israel Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counterterrorism, established in 2002, holds annual meetings to collaborate on border security, terror financing, and cybersecurity.