Michael McCaul Calls for New U.S. Sanctions Against Hamas and Its Supporters

Michael McCaul, the Republican Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has called for new sanctions from the U.S. government against the Palestinian militant group Hamas and its supporters worldwide. In a statement on Wednesday, September 14, he said, "The government must use all possible tools to hold Hamas accountable for their atrocities and compel them to release the remaining hostages." In another part of his statement, the Chairman urged the Biden administration to impose new sanctions on Hamas and its supporters globally. He added, "The brutal murder of Hersh Goldberg-Pollin and five other hostages last week made it clear that we do not have much time left, and we must pressure Hamas and its supporters as much as possible to bring the hostages home." Hersh Goldberg-Pollin, a 23-year-old American citizen, was among the hostages of Hamas who was recently killed by the group. McCaul supported the U.S. Department of Justice's action to indict "terrorist leaders" of Hamas, who are backed by the Iranian government. On September 13, the U.S. Department of Justice officially charged Yahya Sinwar and other senior Hamas leaders with decades of leadership, financing, and terrorism against American citizens. Israeli attacks on Hamas positions have resulted in the death of a senior commander of the group who participated in the October 7 attack. The U.S. has strongly urged both Israel and Hamas to ceasefire. The U.S. Department of Justice has accused Yahya Sinwar and other Hamas leaders of terrorism. Netanyahu stated, "The axis of evil needs the Philadelphi Corridor, so Israel must be there."