Luxembourg's Centrist Approach: Avoiding Labeling Hamas as Terrorist

11.10.2023

Luxembourg's stance on the recent tragic events, in which over 700 Israelis and 560 Palestinians, the majority of whom were civilians, lost their lives, has caused a division among various groups.

Much like many Western nations, Luxembourg has been deeply shaken by the weekend's events and has been jolted awake from its slumber to a certain extent.

Israeli media accused Luxembourg of not recognizing Hamas as a terrorist organization. Luxembourg, along with Ireland and Denmark, mildly condemns the European position on the atrocities committed by the armed Palestinian group, while on the other hand, opposes placing Hamas on the terrorist list.

Jean Asselborn, Luxembourg's Minister of Diplomacy, attributes the decision to not categorize Hamas as a terrorist organization to Luxembourg's inclination to emphasize the importance of "preventing an escalation of tensions" in the region.

The Socialist Minister, who has advocated for a peaceful resolution between the two nations for a long time, has consistently raised objections to Israel's colonial policies and recently, the Netanyahu government's disregard for international law.

Bernard Gottleib, Head of RIAL (Research and Information on Anti-Semitism in Luxembourg), expressed regret, stating that those who say "it's Israel's fault" frighten him. He believes there is a specific moment in time for everything. He contends that this moment, filled with sorrow and grief after a bloody rampage, widespread non-combatant casualties, and an attack on young people during a celebration, leads up to what he deems as the "worst massacre since the end of Nazism."