The Government is making it illegal for New Zealanders to support Hamas.  

It's designated Hamas' political wing a terrorist entity, the same as its military wing. 

It will also ban from New Zealand several extremist Israeli settlers who have committed violent attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank. 

Strategic analyst Paul Buchanan told Mike Hosking that it's about tightening relations with security partners and won't dismantle Hamas.  

He says it also runs contrary to the majority of world opinion, which sees a distinction between the political and armed wings of Hamas. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

• NZ designates entirety of Hamas as terrorist entity
• New Zealand designates Hamas' political wing a terrorist entity