(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas should be removed from the European Union's terrorist list, an EU court ruled yesterday, saying the decision to include it was based on media reports not considered analysis.
However, in its ruling, the bloc's second highest tribunal said member states could maintain their freeze on Hamas' assets for three months to give time for further review or for an appeal to be launched. Israel, which has clashed repeatedly with Europe in recent years over Palestinian statehood ambitions, reacted with dismay.
"We expect them to immediately put Hamas back on the list," said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Looking to limit the fallout, the EU's foreign policy arm said the bloc continued to view Hamas as a terrorist group.
"This was a legal ruling of the court based on procedural grounds. We will look into this and decide on appropriate remedial action," spokeswoman Maja Kocijanic said.
Hamas holds sway in the Gaza Strip and its founding charter calls for the destruction of Israel. It has regularly battled Israel, most recently in a 50-day war this summer.
Hamas says it is a legitimate resistance movement and contested the European Union's decision in 2001 to include it on the EU terrorist list. It welcomed yesterday's verdict.
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