US Sanctions Hamas Officials

The U.S. this week sanctioned six people connected to the terror group Hamas, including by helping it smuggle weapons into Gaza or for coordinating with Russia.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned Abd al-Rahman Ismail abd al-Rahman Ghanimat for being a member of the Hamas military wing along with Musa Daud Muhammad Akari and Salama Mari, two Turkey-based Hamas officials who help channel funds to the group. OFAC also designated longtime Hamas official Mohammad Nazzal, Gaza-based Hamas official Basem Naim -- who has “participated in Hamas’s engagements with Russia” -- and Ghazi Hamad, the editor of Hamas propaganda outlets.

Bradley Smith, Treasury’s acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said the sanctions are meant to target key Hamas officials who “seemingly maintain legitimate, public-facing roles within the group” while helping with terrorist activities. “Treasury remains committed to disrupting Hamas’s efforts to secure additional revenue and holding those who facilitate the group’s terrorist activities to account,” Smith said.