CEM REPORT, CONFLICT | Following the attack on Israel by Palestinian militant group Hamas which claimed more than 1,400 civilians and military personnel, the United States of America has imposed sanctions on ten key Hamas terrorist group members, operatives, and financial facilitators in Gaza and elsewhere.
The United States in an expression of unwavering support for the people of Israel in these tragic times 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.
Anthony Blinken, US Secretary of State, on Wednesday while condemning the acts as terrorism, emphasized that the United States stands firmly with Israel and will render much needed support to defend and recover from the devastation.
“These attacks have shocked the world, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families.
“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.”
Speaking further on the sanction, Blinken said that the ten 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.
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.
On the legality of the sanction, he explained that the imposed sanctions fall under Executive Order 13224, as amended, 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 by the United States is a clear-cut signal that it is still in the business of protecting its allies in the Middle East and fighting global terrorism.
Recall that on Saturday, October 7, the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an attack on Israel which claimed more than 1,400 civilians and military personnel in Israel. The group said it was fighting for the liberation of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
