The U.S. Sanctions Several Individuals and Entities Linked to Hamas and Members of the IRGC

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed a second round of sanctions on key officials linked to Hamas and its financial networks on Friday, November 5, following the attack on Israeli citizens on October 7. According to a statement from the U.S. Treasury Department, Friday's sanctions target additional assets of Hamas and individuals facilitating the circumvention of sanctions by Hamas-affiliated companies. The Treasury also sanctions a Hamas official based in Iran, several members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and an entity based in Gaza that has acted as a conduit for illegal financial assistance from the Islamic Republic of Iran to both Hamas and Islamic Jihad. U.S. Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo stated that "today's action demonstrates the United States' commitment to dismantling Hamas's financial networks." This senior Biden administration official added that the U.S. will continue to target the financial activities and funding streams of Hamas to further weaken its ability to carry out horrific terrorist attacks. The U.S. Treasury Department's statement noted that Friday's sanctions "highlight Iran's critical role in providing financial, logistical, and operational support to Hamas." Following the issuance of these sanctions, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a brief statement referring to the sanctions against individuals and entities supporting Hamas, including members of the IRGC, stating: "The United States is committed to dismantling the financial support networks of Hamas and countering Iran's support for terrorism in the region and around the world." Blinken emphasized: "We will continue to work with our partners to prevent Hamas from accessing the international financial system as part of our broader efforts to deter and disrupt its terrorist activities." The sanctioned individuals or those connected to Iran include: Khaled Qaddumi: A Jordanian national and member of Hamas who has lived for years as a representative of Hamas in Tehran and acts as a liaison between this group and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Qaddumi seeks to maintain strong relations with the Islamic Republic by participating in delegation meetings with senior Iranian officials and praising the Islamic Republic's support for Hamas, including military support. Ali Morshed Shirazi and Mostafa Mohammadkhani: Members of the Quds Force of the IRGC who provide military training to members of Islamic Jihad, Hamas, and Hezbollah. Ali Ahmad Faizollah: Commander of the Saberin Special Forces Brigade of the IRGC Ground Forces. The Saberin Brigade has been deployed to Syria and has provided military training to Hamas and Hezbollah. This brigade has also played a role in violently suppressing protests within Iran. Ansar Charity Association: A Gaza-based organization affiliated with Islamic Jihad that has received millions of dollars from the Foundation of Martyrs of the Islamic Revolution and has distributed it to the families of terrorists linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Ansar claims that the financial assistance from the Islamic Republic to these families is in support of the Palestinian people, but this financial aid is used as a tool to recruit forces to promote terrorist activities. Nasser al-Sheikh Ali: The director of the Ansar Charity Association, who has distributed financial gifts from the Foundation of Martyrs to the families of Palestinian terrorist groups. He has publicly confirmed the Foundation of Martyrs' assistance to Ansar. OFAC also sanctioned two companies based in Sudan, one company based in Spain, and three individuals based in Turkey in this context. The U.S. Treasury Secretary regarding Hamas's attack on Israel: All options for sanctioning the Islamic Republic are on the table. The U.S. Secretary of State: "There is a long-standing relationship" between the Islamic Republic and Hamas. The U.S. has sanctioned 20 individuals and entities linked to Iran's missile and drone program. The U.S. has sanctioned five companies and two individuals for supplying "sensitive components" for Iranian-made drones. The U.S. has sanctioned 10 individuals and entities linked to Hamas militants.