Additional Coverage:
- U.S. hits Hamas leaders in Turkey, Gaza with sanctions (newsbreak.com)
The Biden administration has imposed sanctions on six Hamas leaders for allegedly aiding the militant group in fundraising and smuggling weapons into Gaza. This is the ninth round of sanctions against Hamas since an attack on Israel in October 2023.
The Treasury Department claims that Hamas relies on individuals who hold official positions while engaging in terrorist activities, including transferring funds and goods. The sanctioned leaders include three based in Turkey and three in Gaza.
Among those targeted is Abd al-Rahman Ghanimat, a former member of Hamas’ military wing who is accused of participating in terrorist attacks. Other sanctioned individuals include Musa Akari, who was convicted of kidnapping and murder, and Salama Mari, who was involved in a deadly West Bank attack.
The sanctions also target Ghazi Hamad, a Hamas spokesman who is said to have overseen border crossings into Gaza, which are used to smuggle weapons and construction equipment. Mohammad Nazzal and Basem Naim, senior Hamas officials, are also among those facing sanctions.
The State Department emphasizes that there is no distinction between Hamas’ military and political wings. The sanctions are part of the Biden administration’s efforts to disrupt Hamas’ activities and hold its leaders accountable.
The sanctions come amid Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas and Hezbollah in Gaza and Lebanon, which has resulted in thousands of casualties. The Gaza Health Ministry reports nearly 44,000 deaths, while the Lebanon Health Ministry estimates over 3,500 deaths in the past year.
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- U.S. hits Hamas leaders in Turkey, Gaza with sanctions (newsbreak.com)