The U.S. Justice Department announced criminal charges on Tuesday against Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and other senior militants for their involvement in the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel. This marks the first official action by American law enforcement to hold those responsible for the attack accountable.
The seven-count criminal complaint, filed in federal court in New York City, includes charges of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization resulting in death, conspiracy to murder U.S. nationals, and conspiracy to finance terrorism. The complaint also accuses Iran and Hezbollah of supplying financial support, weapons, and military supplies to Hamas.
While the charges may be largely symbolic—Sinwar is believed to be hiding in Gaza and three of the six defendants are reportedly dead—U.S. officials emphasize that further actions are expected against the militant group, which has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. since 1997.
The complaint was initially filed under seal in February to facilitate the potential capture of then-Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and other defendants. However, it was unsealed following Haniyeh’s death in July and other developments in the region.
Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that these charges are part of a broader effort to dismantle Hamas’ operations, with more actions anticipated. The charges come as the White House is working with Egypt and Qatar on a new ceasefire and hostage deal proposal to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Despite the charges, ongoing negotiations between the U.S., Israel, and Hamas are expected to continue, with national security officials emphasizing the urgency following the recent executions of hostages by Hamas.
Sinwar, who became the head of Hamas after Haniyeh’s death, is Israel’s most-wanted figure. He is believed to be hiding in tunnels under Gaza. The charges against other Hamas leaders, including Marwan Issa, Khaled Mashaal, Mohammed Deif, and Ali Baraka, reflect the U.S.’s commitment to holding those responsible for the October 7 attacks accountable.
The criminal complaint details the violent nature of the attacks, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the taking of 250 hostages. The conflict has led to significant casualties and destruction in Gaza, with over 40,000 Palestinians reported dead and widespread humanitarian crises.
Hamas has accused Israel of stalling negotiations with new demands, while Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to achieve total victory over Hamas, blaming the group for the breakdown in talks.
