Australia's New Sanctions Against Hamas Supporters; Australia Has Targeted Hamas and Its Funding Sources Since 2001

According to the Jerusalem Post, the Australian government has firmly reacted to the terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7, imposing sanctions against eight individuals and one entity associated with this terrorist group. These sanctions target members, agents, and financial facilitators, including the owner of a currency exchange. The report explained the historical context of these sanctions, stating that Australia has been targeting Hamas and its funding sources since 2001, having previously imposed sanctions on six entities and three individuals linked to Hamas. The Australian government stated, "The sanctions and the public listing of these eight individuals and one entity indicate that they have actively participated in supporting and facilitating terrorism." According to the report, Dr. Colin Rubenstein, Executive Director of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council, welcomed this decision, saying, "We welcome this action and see it as a first step." This organization had previously urged the Australian government to align with the UK and the US in sanctioning Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad under their sanctions laws. The council also called for specific actions against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in addition to the sanctions. Rubenstein emphasized, "Ultimately, the Islamic Republic provides financial and military resources to both of these organizations [Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad]." He argued that, based on a recommendation from the Australian Senate Committee in February, the IRGC should be listed as a terrorist organization under Australian criminal law. Rubenstein stressed the severity of the situation, stating, "Hamas is a terrorist group that has committed genocide, and its role in these attacks must be condemned by the world." He also pointed to the humanitarian crisis, noting, "They still hold 240 hostages, including women, infants, and the elderly." The two terrorist groups, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, supported financially and militarily by the Islamic Republic, targeted Israel with missile attacks on October 7 (15th of Mehr), killing at least 1,200 people and taking over 240 hostages, including children, women, and the elderly. The United States, the UK, the European Union, Israel, and several other countries have classified these two groups as terrorist organizations. Rani Omrani: Hamas forces had enough time to evacuate documents and escape from the hospital. A march of families and friends of Israeli hostages held by Hamas from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The US confirms Hamas's use of schools, hospitals, and residential homes; report by Gita Arin. Netanyahu states that hostages held by Hamas were kept in the Shifa Hospital in Gaza. The US welcomes Israel's agreement to send daily fuel to Gaza. Israel has authorized the entry of "two trucks" of fuel daily into Gaza.