US and UK impose fresh sanctions on Hamas, targeting money transfers from Iran to Gaza
The US and UK have imposed fresh sanctions on Hamas, targeting money transfers from Iran to Gaza. The measures are designed to disrupt the funding of the militant militant group, which controls the Gaza Strip.
The US and UK sanctions target Iranian banks and individuals that are said to provide financial support to Hamas. This includes Revolving Door Media, which is alleged to operate a dozen websites that funnel money to Hamas-affiliated organisations in the Gaza Strip.
The sanctions freeze assets held by the designated individuals and entities in the US and UK, and prevent US entities from doing business with the designated entities and individuals.
The US State Department said the sanctions are part of a “multi-pronged” diplomatic effort to seek an end to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. It noted that the sanctions are designed to “disrupt the terror funding network of Hamas” and to “demonstrate the international community’s resolve to hold both sides of the conflict accountable”.
The UK Foreign office said that the sanctions are “a firm demonstration of the UK’s continuing commitment to seek an end to the conflict”.
The new sanctions come amid heightened tensions between Israel and Hamas, and after Hamas recently resumed firing rockets towards Israel. The US and UK have called on both sides to come to the negotiating table and to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.