Six Senior Hamas Leaders Indicted by U.S. Over October 7 Attack

The U.S. Justice Department announced criminal charges Tuesday against six senior Hamas leaders for orchestrating the brutal October 7 attack that resulted in the deaths of U.S. and Israeli citizens. This marks a significant step in the U.S. government’s pursuit of justice against the Iranian-backed terrorist organization.

Those charged include some of Hamas' most notorious figures:

• Ismail Haniyeh, chairman of Hamas' Politburo

• Yahya Sinwar, leader of Hamas

• Mohammad Al-Masri, commander in chief of the al-Qassam Brigades

• Marwan Issa, deputy commander of the al-Qassam Brigades

• Khaled Meshaal, former head of Hamas' Politburo

• Ali Baraka, Hamas’ head of National Relations Abroad

Three of the defendants—Haniyeh, Al-Masri, and Issa—have already been killed in recent military operations following their involvement in the October attack.

The indictment focuses on the October 7 massacre, when Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israeli and American civilians, resulting in the deaths of over 40 Americans and the kidnapping of several others. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized that the U.S. is committed to holding Hamas accountable for its decades of terrorism.

The Justice Department cited other acts of terrorism tied to Hamas, such as suicide bombings in restaurants and public spaces, underscoring the group's violent history. The Palestinian terror group has long been backed by the Islamic Republic of Iran, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) providing weapons, funding, and training. Hezbollah, another terrorist organization based in Lebanon, is also implicated in Hamas’ operations.

Prosecutors revealed that Hamas finances its terror activities through various channels, including cryptocurrency, allowing them to collect millions from international supporters, including those in the U.S.

The charges against these top Hamas leaders include:

• Conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization resulting in death

• Conspiring to murder U.S. nationals outside the United States

• Conspiring to bomb public spaces resulting in death

• Conspiring to use weapons of mass destruction resulting in death

• Conspiring to finance terrorism

These charges carry maximum penalties ranging from 20 years to life in prison or even the death penalty.

As the U.S. strengthens its stance against Hamas, these indictments serve as a reminder that justice is far from complete. Holding these terrorists accountable for their heinous acts is only part of the broader fight to protect Americans and eliminate threats posed by extremist groups.

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