The US and UK announced on Wednesday additional sanctions against Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), as well as individuals linked to these two groups. Delivered as part of the UK’s second round of sanctions relating to the October 7 attacks and the US’s fourth round, the new set of sanctions detail individuals and entities connected to the groups. US sanctions target 16 individuals associated with Hamas who are said to perpetuate the group’s violent agenda by representing its interests abroad and managing its finances. UK sanctions target six key figures, including Hamas co-founder Mahmoud Zahar, its Head of External Relations Ali Baraka, and leaders that offer financial support to Hamas in Lebanon and Algeria.
Those targeted by the UK sanctions will be affected by travel bans and asset freezes as part of the nation’s aim to hold accountable those linked to Hamas, even if they do not operate from Gaza. Commenting on the new sanctions, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron made it clear that Hamas has no future in Gaza. He emphasized that the UK will continue to work with its partners to isolate these groups further by cutting off their access to funding. His comments can be read on his official Twitter here.
In response to the sanctions, US Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson stated that Hamas continues to exploit seemingly permissive jurisdictions to direct fundraising campaigns for the group’s benefit, and funnels those illicit proceeds to support its military activities in Gaza.
This set of sanctions is an addition to the ones already put in place by these two countries in November to disrupt Hamas operations. Both the UK and the US have previously shown their support for Israel in recent months. In the UK, the government reiterated that support for Hamas carries criminal penalties including 14 years of imprisonment. Meanwhile, most recently the US vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, with the UK abstaining from the vote.
For more details, visit the original report here.