Israel-Hamas conflict: US enforces fresh sanctions on Hamas and Iran's revolutionary guard members

Israel-Hamas conflict: The United States has imposed new sanctions on Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, as well as members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. These sanctions were issued in response to Hamas's attack on Israel earlier this month. The measures target additional assets in Hamas's investment portfolio and individuals who facilitate sanctions evasion by companies affiliated with Hamas.

Additionally, a Gaza-based entity that has allegedly funneled illicit Iranian funds to Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group was also targeted. Iran is known to back Hamas and other militant groups in the Middle East.

The aim of these sanctions is to disrupt Hamas's financial activities and funding sources, thereby reducing its ability to carry out terrorist attacks. The sanctions freeze any US assets of the targeted groups and generally prohibit Americans from engaging in transactions with them. Individuals or entities that conduct certain transactions with these groups also risk being subject to sanctions.

The US Treasury Department further imposed sanctions on a Jordanian national residing in Tehran, Iran, who serves as Hamas's representative in Iran, as well as officials from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qods Force who provide training and assistance to Hamas and other militant groups. An Iran-based commander of the Saberin Special Forces Brigade of the IRGC Ground Force was also targeted. This brigade has reportedly provided training to Hamas and Hezbollah, based in Lebanon.

Moreover, Sudan and Spain-based companies, as well as Turkish shareholders of a company previously designated as part of the Hamas investment portfolio, were included in the sanctions. The US has previously identified a significant Hamas investment portfolio that includes companies operating in multiple countries.

These actions come in the context of ongoing violence in the Middle East and concerns of a broader conflict.

Also Read: US hits two strikes at Syria after attacks by Iranian-backed militia groups; 1 killed, 21 US personnel injured

- With inputs from agencies

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