The U.S. Justice Department announced on Tuesday the indictment of six senior Hamas leaders for their alleged roles in the October 7 attacks on Israel. The charges, unsealed in a New York court, accuse the defendants of terrorism and related crimes, marking a major step in the ongoing international response to the violence that has sparked a brutal conflict in Gaza.
The indictment includes Yahya Sinwar, the political head of Hamas; Ismail Haniyeh, the group's former leader who was assassinated in July; Mohammad al-Masri, also known as Mohammed Deif, who was the commander-in-chief of Hamas' military wing, the Qassam Brigades; Marwan Issa, his deputy; Khaled Meshaal, who oversees Hamas' activities outside Gaza; and Ali Baraka, the head of Hamas' National Relations Abroad.
Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the gravity of the charges in a video statement, stating, "Hamas, led by these defendants, committed its most violent, large-scale attack to date on October 7." The indictment includes allegations of conspiracy to provide material support to a terrorist organization resulting in death, conspiracy to murder U.S. nationals, and other serious offenses.
Sinwar, who has led Hamas in Gaza since 2017 and recently assumed the role of the group's political leader following Haniyeh's assassination, is notably one of the most wanted figures in the indictment. The Justice Department's complaint also cites Baraka's statements in which he acknowledged Hamas' dual focus on social activities and preparation for the attack, revealing the group's strategic deception.
The October 7 attack, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and 250 hostages taken, was described by Garland as a coordinated and devastating assault. In response to the attack, Israeli forces have launched extensive operations in Gaza, which have led to significant casualties on both sides, with over 40,000 reported deaths in Gaza.
The indictment outlines that the Hamas leaders conspired to finance and execute acts of terrorism with support from Iran and Hezbollah, emphasizing the group's extensive network and resources. "As outlined in our complaint, those defendants-armed with weapons, political support, and funding-have led Hamas's efforts to destroy the State of Israel and murder civilians," Garland noted.
The charges also include conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction resulting in death and conspiracy to finance terrorism. These allegations could lead to severe penalties, including the death penalty for certain charges. The unsealing of the indictment was partly influenced by recent developments in the region, including the death of Haniyeh and ongoing investigations into the murder of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli-American who was among those killed by Hamas.
In addition to the criminal charges, the Justice Department is scrutinizing how Hamas has funded its operations, including through cryptocurrency contributions from international supporters. The indictment reflects the U.S. government's commitment to holding those responsible for terrorism accountable and dismantling the financial infrastructure supporting such activities.
FBI Director Christopher Wray affirmed the agency's relentless pursuit of justice, stating, "The FBI has and will continue to relentlessly investigate these attacks on civilians, including Americans." The indictment serves as a significant measure in the broader strategy to counter terrorism and uphold international security.
Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. since 1997, has been a focal point in global counter-terrorism efforts. The charges against its senior leaders represent a crucial step in addressing the violence that has intensified regional instability and impacted international relations.
