The European Union has imposed sanctions on several individuals and entities accused of financing the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Jerrymusa.com reports that the sanctions include asset freezes and visa bans on three front companies used by key financier Hamza Abdelbasit, as well as several individuals linked to Hamas’ “foreign investment activities” and “Charitable Institutions Association”.
The EU has also targeted a senior Iranian official, Ali Morshed Shirazi, overseeing Tehran’s links to Palestinian groups, and a top Hamas official, Maher Rebhi Obeid, “responsible for directing Hamas’ terrorist operatives in the West Bank”.
EU Sends a Clear Message
“These sanctions are a clear message to Hamas and its supporters that their violent actions have consequences,” said an EU spokesperson.
The sanctions are the second round imposed by the EU on Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad since the groups attacked Israel on October 7. The EU has now blacklisted a total of 12 individuals and three entities linked to the militants.
The move comes as the EU struggles to find a united position on the Gaza war, with some diplomats calling for sanctions on “violent Israeli extremists” in the West Bank.