'Hamas is not a terrorist group', says UN Deputy Secretary-General

UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths told Sky News that he does not consider Hamas a terrorist group.

The statement was made in response to a question about Israel's goal of destroying Hamas.

"As you know, we do not consider it a terrorist group. This is a political movement. I believe that without a political decision, it is very difficult to get rid of such groups," the international official said.

"I can't even think of an example where military action could be taken against an entrenched group, terrorist or otherwise," Griffiths said.

He also expressed sympathy for the “trauma” that Israel suffered on October 7, 2023, but expressed confidence that despite it, Israelis must build relationships with their neighbors.