On Tuesday, the United States announced criminal charges against top Hamas leaders for their involvement in the October 7 attack on southern Israel. The indictment targets Yahya Sinwar, the group’s chief, and at least five other individuals, accusing them of planning, supporting, and executing the assault that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people, including over 40 Americans.
The attack prompted a major Israeli military response in Gaza, which has since resulted in over 40,800 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction across the region.
Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that the criminal complaint accuses the defendants of using weapons, political support, and funding from the Iranian government, along with backing from Hezbollah, to advance Hamas’s goal of destroying Israel and committing civilian murders. The complaint identifies six individuals, including three who are deceased.
The living defendants are Yahya Sinwar, who is believed to be hiding in Gaza; Khaled Meshaal, based in Doha and leading the group’s diaspora office; and Ali Baraka, a senior Hamas official residing in Lebanon.
Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that the criminal complaint accuses the defendants of using weapons, political support, and funding from the Iranian government, along with backing from Hezbollah, to advance Hamas’s goal of destroying Israel and committing civilian murders. The complaint identifies six individuals, including three who are deceased.
The living defendants are Yahya Sinwar, who is believed to be hiding in Gaza; Khaled Meshaal, based in Doha and leading the group’s diaspora office; and Ali Baraka, a senior Hamas official residing in Lebanon.
The Justice Department chose to announce the charges following the death of Haniyeh. This decision comes as part of a broader effort to address the alleged crimes associated with Hamas’s leadership.
