Gaza: UK joins US in fresh sanctions on Hamas key figures

The UK government has announced sanctions on individuals connected to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). This follows a similar step by the United States.

Mahmoud Zahar, Hamas’ co-founder, is among the key individuals targeted in the sanctions.

Ali Baraka, Hamas’s head of external relations, who the UK government says “publicly defended the 7 October attacks and sought to justify the taking of hostages” was also included.

The foreign secretary pointed out restrictions on travel and access to the finances of the seven people targeted.

Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said Hamas could “have no future in Gaza” and adding that the sanctions would “cut off their access to funding and isolate them further”.

Earlier the US Treasury Department officials say “all property and interests in property” which are in the US will be blocked and must be reported to the Office of Foreign Assets Control.

The US Treasury statement adds: “In addition, non-US financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions risk or be subject to an enforcement action”.

Those now subject to UK travel bans and asset freezes include:

Mahmoud Zahar: a Gaza-based Hamas leader and co-founder

Ali Baraka: the Lebanon-based Head of External Relations for Hamas

Maher Obeid: a political leader who has held senior positions in Hamas

Akram al-Ajouri: the Syria-based Deputy Secretary General of Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and Leader of the Al-Quds Brigades, PIJ’s military wing

Khaled Chouman and Rida Ali Khamis: who have channelled funds to Hamas through their Lebanon-based currency exchanges

Aiman Ahmad Al Duwaik: an Algeria-based financier for Hamas who has helped run the organisation’s overseas investment portfolio