The United States has imposed a new set of sanctions targeting Hamas's financing networks and support sources based in Iran.
This action comes in response to Hamas's attack on Israel earlier this month, which led to a nearly three-week-long conflict resulting in casualties on both sides.
The focus of these sanctions is on disrupting Hamas's sources of support in Iran. The Treasury Department has identified a Hamas official based in Iran, as well as members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, among others, and designated them accordingly.
Hamas is estimated to have global assets worth hundreds of millions of dollars, according to the Treasury. To further this effort, top Treasury officials have traveled to the Middle East and Europe this week to collaborate with partners in denying Hamas the ability to raise and utilize funds.
Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo emphasized, "Today's action underscores the United States' commitment to dismantling Hamas's funding networks." Secretary of State Antony Blinken added that the U.S. will continue to work with partners to prevent Hamas from accessing the international financial system.
The individuals and entities designated include Khaled Qaddoumi, a Jordanian national serving as Hamas's representative in Iran, three IRGC officials, and a Gaza-based charity organization. Additionally, businesses in Sudan and Spain, along with individuals associated with designated investment portfolio companies, were targeted.
All assets of designated individuals in the United States will be frozen and must be reported to the authorities. Additionally, entities owned by these blocked individuals will face restrictions. Last week, the Treasury sanctioned 10 Hamas members, operatives, and financial facilitators based in Gaza and other locations.
The United States has previously classified Hamas as a terrorist organization.
