The United States of America has imposed sanctions on the Palestinian militant group Hamas in response to its attack on Israel on Saturday, October 7.
The group, which said it was fighting for the liberation of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, murdered more than 1,400 civilians and military personnel in Israel during that bloody attack. The US, in response, expressed its unwavering support for the people of Israel during these tragic times.
Anthony Blinken, US Secretary of State, expressed the US position on Wednesday, condemning the acts of terrorism and emphasising that the United States stands firmly with Israel in the face of such atrocities.
“These attacks have shocked the world, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families,” Secretary Blinken stated.
“The United States has expressed our unconditional support to the people of Israel as they go through these tragic times. We continue to condemn these acts of terrorism that resulted in numerous lives lost and families shattered.”
In a swift and resolute response to these attacks, the U.S. announced that it is imposing sanctions on ten key Hamas terrorist group members, operatives, and financial facilitators in Gaza and elsewhere.
These individuals have been identified as supporters of Hamas and other terrorist organisations, enabling Hamas to carry out its brutal acts of terrorism, including the vicious attack on Israel.
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Secretary Blinken clarified that these actions are specifically directed at Hamas terrorists and their support network, emphasising that it is not an action against the Palestinian people as a whole.
He stressed that Hamas alone bears responsibility for the carnage caused by its militants and called for the immediate release of all hostages held by the group.
“The United States will not relent in using all the tools at our disposal to disrupt Hamas terrorist activity,” Blinken declared.
He explained that these sanctions imposed on these individuals fall under Executive Order 13224, as amended, which is designed to target terrorists, terrorist organisations, leaders, and officials of terrorist groups, as well as those who provide support to terrorists or engage in acts of terrorism.
The move is part of the United States’ broader efforts to combat terrorism and protect its allies in the Middle East. While the sanctions are a direct response to the recent attacks in Israel, they also send a clear message that the United States remains committed to its role in the global fight against terrorism.
