Europe EU imposes new sanctions against Hamas and another Islamist group

The EU states have imposed new sanctions against two extremist Palestinian Islamist groups.

These are Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). Three companies and six individuals have been sanctioned for involvement in financing the two groups or facilitating their violent actions, according to a statement issued by the countries on Friday.

The individuals affected include a member of the Hamas politburo, a senior Hamas political operative and a PIJ official. According to the information provided, the sanctions mean that assets will be frozen. The direct or indirect provision of funds or economic resources to them is prohibited. They are also banned from traveling to the EU.

The three companies were used as front companies to facilitate Hamas' financial flows, the statement continued.

According to the EU, a total of twelve people and three organizations are on the sanctions list. This was introduced in January 2024 to punish all persons who support Hamas or the PIJ after the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7.