Abb Takk News
MOST POPULAR News Ticker TRENDING World

US Puts Hamas Chief’s Name On Terror Blacklist

Washington (February 1, 2018): The United States on Wednesday put the head of Palestinian movement Hamas, Ismail Haniya, on its terror blacklist and slapped sanctions on him — a move sure to raise tensions, after Washington recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

The 55-year-old Haniya, who was named head of Hamas in May 2017, represents the more pragmatic wing of the movement, which said the US move would not deter the group’s “resistance.”“Haniya has close links with Hamas’ military wing and has been a proponent of armed struggle, including against civilians,” the State Department said in a statement.

“He has reportedly been involved in terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens. Hamas has been responsible for an estimated 17 American lives killed in terrorist attacks.”

Haniya is now on the US Treasury sanctions blacklist, which freezes any US-based assets he may have and bans any US person or company from doing business with him.

Hamas — which has controlled the Gaza Strip for more than a decade — had already been on the US terror blacklist since 1997.

The US government also slapped sanctions on Harakat al-Sabireen — a small splinter group that operates in Gaza — and two other groups active in Egypt: Liwa al-Thawra and HASM.“These designations target key terrorist groups and leaders, who are threatening the stability of the Middle East, undermining the peace process, and attacking our allies Egypt and Israel,” Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in a statement.

“Today’s actions are an important step in denying them the resources they need to plan and carry out their terrorist activities.”

In Gaza, Hamas said: “The American decision to include Haniya on the terrorist list is a failed attempt to pressure the resistance.

“This decision will not deter us from continuing the resistance option to expel the occupation.” Hamas has fought three wars with Israel since 2008.

Related News:

US Adds Hizbul Mujahideen to Terrorism Blacklist

US Sanctions Six Taliban, Haqqani Financiers