The United States Sanctions Leaders of Hamas's Cyber and Drone Units

On Friday, April 12, the United States announced that it has imposed sanctions on the leaders of Hamas's drone and cyber units, as well as the spokesperson for this group, who are based in Gaza and Lebanon. The U.S. Treasury Department stated that the European Union will simultaneously impose sanctions against Hamas. The U.S. sanctions target Huzaifa Samer Abdullah al-Kahlout, known as 'Abu Ubaidah,' who has been the spokesperson for the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's military wing in Gaza, since at least 2007. The sanctions also target William Abu Shnb, commander of the northern unit based in Lebanon, his assistant Bara Hassan Farhat, and Khalil Muhammad Azam, an intelligence officer for Hamas. According to the U.S. Treasury Department's statement, this unit manages the development and production projects for automatic 120mm mortars and mobile launchers for Grad rocket launchers, as well as reconnaissance and suicide drones. Brian Nelson, the U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, stated that the joint action by the U.S. and the EU strengthens the collective focus on disrupting Hamas's ability to conduct further attacks, including through cyber warfare and drone production. Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, also stated: 'Elements of the terrorist group Hamas utilize information warfare and drones to facilitate violence on various fronts. The United States, in coordination with its international partners, is taking action against Hamas by targeting four leaders of this terrorist group's cyber and drone operations based in Gaza and Lebanon.' He added that the United States will continue to counter Hamas's destabilizing efforts to carry out terrorist attacks and disrupt their activities wherever they may be, 'including in cyberspace.' Following the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the hostage-taking of over 250 others, Israel launched an offensive against Gaza aimed at destroying this Islamist group supported by the Islamic Republic and freeing the hostages. Hamas officials have repeatedly emphasized that they will carry out similar attacks if capable. The United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, Israel, and several other countries have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization. The U.S. has imposed new sanctions against the Iraqi Hezbollah Brigades and Hamas, increasing pressure on the Quds Force of the IRGC. France: The European Union will impose new sanctions against Hamas. The U.S. has set a reward of up to $10 million for financial information about Hamas. The U.S. has sanctioned one individual and three entities facilitating the Islamic Republic's financial assistance to the Houthis.