In a joint effort, the United States and Britain have implemented a third round of sanctions targeting the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
The move aims to curb Iranian funding of Hamas and its ally, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, in the wake of their recent attack on Israel.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, in a strong statement, emphasized the intention to “deny Hamas the ability to raise and use funds to carry out its atrocities.” Yellen stated that the actions of Hamas have caused immense suffering, highlighting that terrorism does not happen in isolation.
The collaborative effort with partner nations is described as a decisive move to degrade Hamas’s financial infrastructure, sever external funding, and block new channels the group seeks for financing their acts.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken clarified that these sanctions are crucial for protecting the international financial system from abuse by Hamas and its enablers. He pointed out Iran’s significant support, primarily through the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which facilitates Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist activities. This support includes the transfer of funds, provision of weapons, and operational training.
Blinken mentioned that Iran has trained Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters in Gaza to produce and develop missiles. Additionally, Iran funds groups that provide financial support to fighters affiliated with Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Israel, responding to the recent attack by Hamas, claims that the militant group killed 1,200 people within its borders and captured approximately 240 hostages, with only four released so far. In retaliation, Israel conducted air attacks, resulting in casualties according to Hamas medical authorities. They report that more than 11,000 Palestinians, including thousands of women and children, have been killed in the Israeli airstrikes.
