The U.S. Justice Department charged Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and other senior militants for the deadly rampage in Israel on October 7, 2023. This marks the first formal effort by American law enforcement to identify the masterminds of the attack.
A criminal complaint filed in federal court in New York City lists charges such as conspiracy to support a foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to murder U.S. nationals, and conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction resulting in death. The complaint also accuses Iran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah of providing financial support and weapons, including rockets, that were used in the attack.
The impact of the case may be mostly symbolic because Sinwar is believed to be hiding in tunnels. The Justice Department stated that three of the six defendants named in the complaint are believed to be dead. The complaint was initially filed under seal in February to give the U.S. time to try to apprehend the former Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh. However, it was unsealed on Tuesday following Haniyeh’s death and other regional developments.
Attorney General Merrick Garland stated in a video that the charges unveiled are part of an effort to target every aspect of Hamas’ operations, emphasizing that these actions are not the last.
The White House is working on a cease-fire and hostage deal proposal with Egypt and Qatar to mediate an agreement between Israel and Hamas to end the conflict in Gaza. A U.S. official stated that the charges are not expected to impact the ongoing negotiations.
Recent “executions” of six hostages, including an American, by Hamas highlight the urgency in the talks. Sinwar took over as the head of Hamas after Haniyeh was killed in Iran and is currently at the top of Israel’s most-wanted list. Other Hamas leaders also face charges for planning last year’s attack, including those believed to be dead or in other countries.
The indictment describes how militants engaged in brutal violence during the attack in southern Israel, resulting in a large number of civilian casualties. Israel’s retaliation has led to a significant number of Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction in Gaza.
Overall, the charges against Hamas leaders are part of a broader effort to address terrorism and protect civilians in the region.
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