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The European Union launches a new framework of sanctions for those who support Hamas
The Council of the EU today established a specific framework of restrictive measures that will allow the European Union to hold accountable any individual or entity that supports, facilitates or enables violent actions by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).
The new regime also integrates the restrictive measures previously adopted against Hamas and the PIJ in the “EU terrorist list”. Under the new regime, the EU could target those who support, materially or financially, Hamas or the PIJ. It could also target those who participate in the planning, preparation or implementation of violent actions by Hamas or the PIJ. Persons, groups, entities and bodies could also be included in the list for activities such as: supply, sale or transfer of weapons and material related to the two terrorist organisations; support actions that undermine or threaten the stability or security of Israel together with Hamas and the PIJ; be involved in serious violations of international humanitarian law or human rights law; publicly incite or provoke violent actions by the two organizations. Furthermore, for the first time, the EU will also be able to target persons or entities that provide support to those who facilitate or enable the violent action of Hamas and the PIJ; in other words, the sponsors of those who sponsor the two terrorist organizations.
“With today’s decision on a specific framework of restrictive measures against supporters of the violent actions of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the European Union demonstrates that we are ready to take decisive steps to respond to the brutality shown by terrorists on 7 October. Israelis and Palestinians deserve to live in a just, lasting and secure peace,” said Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Today, the Council also decided to list six individuals of different nationalities responsible for providing financial support to Hamas. Included are the Sudanese financier Abdelbasit Hamza Elhassan Mohamed Khair, the owner of “Shuman for Currency Exchange SARL” Nabil Chouman, the son of the former Khaled Chouman, the senior Hamas financier Rida Ali Khamis, the senior Hamas agent Musa Dudin and the Algerian financier Aiman Ahmad Al Duwaik. Those listed in the sanctions regime are subject to an asset freeze. The provision, direct or indirect, of funds or economic resources in their favor or to their advantage is prohibited. Furthermore, the travel ban to the EU applies to the listed natural persons. The new sanctions framework will apply until 19 January 2025. It will be constantly reviewed and renewed or amended, as appropriate, if the Council considers that its objectives have not been achieved.