The Justice Department has filed criminal charges against Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and other senior militants in connection with the October 7, 2023, rampage in Israel. The charges include conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization resulting in death, conspiracy to murder U.S. nationals, and conspiracy to finance terrorism. The complaint also accuses Iran and Hezbollah of providing support to Hamas in the form of financial resources, weapons, and military supplies for attacks. While some of the defendants are believed to be dead or in hiding, the Justice Department plans to take further actions against Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization with a history of deadly attacks on Israel.
The charges were originally filed under seal in February to capture then-Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and other defendants. However, the case was unsealed after Haniyeh’s death in July and developments in the region reduced the need for secrecy. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized that the charges are just one part of the effort to target all aspects of Hamas operations, indicating that more actions will follow. The charges coincide with the White House’s efforts to develop a ceasefire and hostage deal proposal with Egypt and Qatar to end the ongoing war in Gaza, where Sinwar, the current leader of Hamas, is believed to be hiding.
Despite the charges, the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release are not expected to be impacted, according to a U.S. official. The recent executions of hostages by Hamas, including an American, highlight the urgency of reaching an agreement. The U.S. government is treating these acts as terrorism and remains committed to bringing home American hostages. Sinwar, who succeeded Haniyeh as the head of Hamas, is considered a high-value target by Israel and has been living in tunnels under Gaza for the past 10 months. The charges also include other Hamas leaders who played significant roles in planning and executing attacks in Israel.
The criminal complaint details the October 7 attacks as the most violent and large-scale terrorist attack in Hamas’ history, resulting in significant civilian casualties and hostages. The militants engaged in brutal violence, including rape, genital mutilation, and machine-gun shootings. In response, Israel launched a retaliatory offensive that resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians and widespread destruction. The war has displaced most of Gaza’s residents, creating a humanitarian crisis. Hamas accuses Israel of delaying negotiations with new demands, while Israel aims for total victory over the militant group. Despite the challenges, the U.S. continues to support efforts to reach a ceasefire and bring an end to the conflict.
