On Tuesday, the United States and United Kingdom imposed fresh sanctions on Hamas, targeting money transfers from Iran to Gaza. This move follows increased tensions between Israel and the militant group, which controls the Gaza Strip.
The sanctions target six individuals and three charitable institutions that were allegedly involved in transferring funds from Iran to Hamas, which has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, and Australia.
The US Treasury Department released a statement accusing the six individuals and charitable institutions of “providing financial and technical support” to Hamas, alleging that the identified six were “complicit in the transfer of funds from Iran to the Palestinian militant group.” The only Iranian-linked organization identified in the sanctions is al-Akhtar Trust, which the US claims is “heavily involved” in providing financial support to Hamas.
In addition to the sanctions, the US also officially designated Commander Yehiya al-Sinwar, the leader of Hamas’s political wing in Gaza, as a terrorist. This means that any US property belonging to al-Sinwar will now be blocked under US law.
This follows a period of increased tensions in the area, with Hamas promising to retaliate against Israel following recent Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. In addition, Iran has asserted that it will continue to provide financial and material support to its Hamas allies.
The sanctions imposed by the United States and the United Kingdom are designed to further isolate Hamas, and put pressure on Iran to sever its financial ties with the militant group.
However, the sanctions do not address the underlying causes of the conflict in the region, which are rooted in Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory and its ongoing blockade of Gaza. If the international community is to prevent future conflict, it must address the core issues underpinning it.