United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths has said the UN does not consider Hamas a terrorist group, classing it as a “political group”.
Asked about the feasibility of Israel’s military goal to eliminate Hamas, Griffiths responded, “Hamas is not a terrorist group for us, as you know, it is a political movement. But, I think it is very difficult to dislodge these groups without a negotiated solution; which includes their aspirations.”
“I cannot think of an example offhand of a place where a victory through warfare has succeeded against a well-entrenched group, terrorist or otherwise.”
Griffiths acknowledged the trauma caused by Hamas’s actions but underscored the necessity for Israel to establish relationships with its neighbors, regardless of the group’s political status.
He further expressed concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, highlighting the challenges faced by Palestinians in accessing aid and finding safe havens amid ongoing military operations.
