US and EU Sanction Palestinian Armed Groups for Surprise Attack on Israel

Hamas Spokesperson and Drone Unit Leader Targeted

The United States and the European Union (EU) have jointly announced sanctions against Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups that launched a surprise attack on Israel.

Palestinian armed group Hamas is aiming a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) at an Israeli military armored vehicle in Gaza City, northern Gaza Strip.
[Photo by Reuters Yonhap News]

According to major foreign media including The New York Times on the 12th (local time), the U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions against Hoodhaifa Samir Abdallah Al Kalut, the spokesperson for Hamas' military wing 'Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades' since 2007, and three members of Hamas' 'Al-Simali' unit based in Lebanon.

Among those sanctioned from Al-Simali were commander William Abu Shanab, Shanab's aide Bara Hasan Farhat, and intelligence officer Khalil Muhammad Azam. These three individuals were identified as responsible for intelligence gathering and weapons development, including drones aimed at suicide attacks. The sanctioned individuals will have their assets frozen in the U.S. and are prohibited from conducting business with U.S. companies.

The EU also announced sanctions on the same day against Palestinian armed groups including Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Specifically, in relation to the 'systematic and widespread' sexual violence committed by Hamas in Israel on October 7 last year, the EU sanctioned the al-Qassam Brigades, another Hamas armed group called the Nukhba unit, and the military wing of Islamic Jihad, the Al-Quds Brigades. Fighters from these armed groups are banned from traveling to EU countries and have their assets frozen within the EU.

In this regard, Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, emphasized holding perpetrators accountable. Brian Nelson, U.S. Treasury Department Deputy Assistant Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, stated, "Today's joint action will strengthen our ongoing and collective efforts to undermine Hamas' additional attack capabilities, including cyber warfare and unmanned aerial vehicle production." He added, "The Treasury Department will continue to target Hamas support networks wherever Hamas operates, including in the cyber domain, in cooperation with allies and partners."