WASHINGTON. The U.S. Department of Justice has announced criminal charges against Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and other senior militants in connection with the October 7, 2023, massacre in Israel. This marks the first significant effort by American law enforcement to hold those responsible for the attack accountable. The charges include 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 federal complaint, filed in New York City, also implicates Iran and Hezbollah in providing financial and military support to Hamas, including rockets and other weaponry. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized that the unsealed charges are part of a broader strategy to dismantle Hamas’ operations. “These actions will not be our last,” Garland stated, signaling that further steps may be taken against the group, which has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. since 1997.
Although the impact of the charges may be largely symbolic—given that Sinwar is reportedly hiding in Gaza’s extensive tunnel network and three of the six defendants are believed to be dead—U.S. officials see this as a critical move in the ongoing fight against terrorism. The original complaint was filed in February under seal, but recent developments, including the death of former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in July, led to its unsealing.
The case unfolds as the U.S., in collaboration with Egyptian and Qatari officials, works on a cease-fire and hostage release deal aimed at ending the nearly 11-month-long war between Israel and Hamas. National security spokesman John Kirby highlighted the urgency of these efforts, particularly in light of the recent execution of six hostages by Hamas, including American Hersh Goldberg-Polin. “We are investigating Hersh’s murder, and each and every one of the brutal murders of Americans, as acts of terrorism,” Garland affirmed.
Among the other Hamas leaders facing charges are Marwan Issa, deputy leader of Hamas’ armed wing, Khaled Mashaal, and Mohammed Deif, Hamas’ military leader. Both Issa and Deif are believed to have been killed in Israeli airstrikes earlier this year.
While the charges are seen as a significant legal action by the U.S., experts like Merissa Khurma of the Wilson Center caution that they may not substantially increase pressure on Hamas, especially as Sinwar remains in hiding. Nonetheless, Khurma noted that the charges represent an important tool for the U.S. in addressing the threats posed by Hamas, particularly given the number of American lives lost or disrupted by the group’s actions.
The October 7 attack, described as the “most violent, large-scale terrorist attack” in Hamas’ history, resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of around 250 hostages. The criminal complaint reveals harrowing details of the attack, including rape, genital mutilation, and close-range shootings. Israel’s response has led to a devastating toll on Gaza, with over 40,000 Palestinians reported dead and a severe humanitarian crisis unfolding.
As negotiations continue, Hamas has proposed releasing all hostages in exchange for an end to the war, a complete Israeli withdrawal, and the release of Palestinian prisoners, including high-profile militants. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, has vowed to achieve “total victory” over Hamas, holding the group responsible for the breakdown of cease-fire talks.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
