Argentina has officially designated Hamas as a terrorist organization on Friday, the office of President Javier Milei announced.
"The Hamas group has been declared by the Argentinian state as a international terrorist organization," the statement reads. "Furthermore, in recent years, its link with the Islamic Republic of Iran has been revealed - whose leadership was found responsible for the attacks against the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires and against the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association by the Federal Chamber of Criminal Cassation on April 11. These attacks cost the lives of more than 100 Argentinian civilians.
— Oficina del Presidente (@OPRArgentina) July 12, 2024
"President Javier Milei has an unwavering commitment to recognizing terrorist for what they are.
"This government has reiterated on multiple occasions its convictions that Argentina once against align itself with Western civilization, respectful of individual rights and its institutions. For this reason, it must be acknowledged that those who attack such values are declared for what they are: terrorists."
A show of support to the Jewish state
The Associated Press reported that the official designation was made as a show of support for Israel, while also stating that Argentina, which is home to the largest Jewish diaspora in Latin America, has "ordered a freeze on the financial assets of the Palestinian group."
Milei arrived to Israel earlier this year to show support for its war against Hamas, and stated that he would move the Argentinian embassy to Jerusalem.