United States Department of State

By  Gary  Raynaldo      –   DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

The United States announced Tuesday its third round of sanctions targeting Hamas-affiliated individuals and entities in connection with the October 7 “terrorist attacks” on Israel.  The Department of State is designating Akram al-Ajouri as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist for being a leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).  Ajouri is the PIJ Deputy Secretary General and leader of its militant wing, the Al-Quds Brigade.  The Department of the Treasury is also designating seven individuals and two entities that have provided support to or acted on behalf of Hamas or PIJ.  The State Department said Iran’s support, primarily through its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, enables Hamas and PIJ’s terrorist activities, including through the transfer of funds and the provision of both weapons and operational training.  Iran has trained PIJ fighters to produce and develop missiles in Gaza while also funding groups that provide financial support to PIJ-affiliated fighters, according to the U.S.

“We are taking these actions in coordination with the United Kingdom to protect the international financial system from abuse by Hamas and its enablers.  We will continue to work with our partners and allies to disrupt Hamas’ terrorist financing channels. We are taking these actions in coordination with the United Kingdom to protect the international financial system from abuse by Hamas and its enablers.  We will continue to work with our partners and allies to disrupt Hamas’ terrorist financing channels.”

-Secretary of State   Antony Blinken press statement