Israel-Hamas War: US imposes sanctions on 10 Hamas members and their financial networks

The United States Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Wednesday announced US sanctions against a group of 10 Hamas members and the Palestinian militant organization's financial network.

"The United States is taking swift and decisive action to target Hamas's financiers and facilitators following its brutal and unconscionable massacre of Israeli civilians, including children," Yellen said.

The statement came after, President Joe Biden vowed to show the world that the US stands in solidarity with Israelis during his visit to Israel on Wednesday, and offered an assessment that the deadly explosion at a Gaza Strip hospital apparently was not carried out by the Israeli military.

Ten Hamas members

The sanctions, announced by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control, target several entities associated with Hamas. These include members responsible for managing Hamas's financial investments, a Qatar-based financial facilitator with ties to the Iranian regime, a prominent Hamas commander, and a virtual currency exchange operating in Gaza.

US Treasury Brian Nelson call for global cooperation

Brian Nelson, the US Treasury's under-secretary for terrorism and illicit finance, called for international cooperation in pursuing Hamas funding streams. He urged American allies and the private sector to join these efforts or face consequences. The US is determined to prevent funds from flowing through the international financial system to support Hamas's terrorist activities.

Hamas's justification

Mohammed Deif, the leader of Hamas's military wing, cited a range of factors, including the 16-year blockade of Gaza, Israeli military operations in West Bank cities, increased attacks on Palestinians by settlers, and the expansion of Israeli settlements as reasons for the assault on Israel that commenced on October 7th. Deif characterised this offensive as the initiation of "Operation Al-Aqsa Storm" and urged Palestinians from different areas to join in the conflict.

Total death toll

The Hamas militant group blamed Israel for the massive blast at the al-Ahli Hospital - saying nearly 500 died - while Israel blamed a rocket misfired by other Palestinian militants.

The Gaza Health Ministry said 3,478 people have been killed in Gaza since the October 7 attack and more than 12,000 wounded, with most of the casualties women, children and the elderly. Another 1,300 people across Gaza are believed to be buried under the rubble, alive or dead, health authorities said.

More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, mostly civilians slain during Hamas' deadly incursion, which resulted in some 200 hostages taken into Gaza. Militants in Gaza have launched rockets every day since, aiming at cities across Israel.

(inputs from AP)