New Zealand became one of the last Western countries to designate all of Hamas as a “terrorist entity”, saying the attacks of October 7 had shattered the notion its political and military wings could be separated, AFP reports.

“The organisation as a whole bears responsibility for these horrific terrorist attacks,” the government said, announcing a move that spells a freeze on Hamas assets in New Zealand and a ban on providing it with “material support”.

“The terrorist attacks by Hamas in October 2023 were brutal and we have unequivocally condemned them,” New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said in a statement.

Luxon stressed the designation was about Hamas “and is not a reflection on the Palestinian people in Gaza and around the world” while indicating humanitarian support would continue.

“The designation does not stop New Zealand providing humanitarian and future development assistance to benefit civilians in Gaza.”