Washington sanctions Hamas networks in Europe

The United States has placed several individuals allegedly linked to Hamas on its sanctions list, including European-based operatives, the State Department announced Wednesday. 

The designations target three categories of actors: organisers of a Hamas-backed flotilla attempting to reach Gaza; members of Muslim Brotherhood networks aligned with Hamas that facilitate violent terrorist attacks; and coordinators of Samidoun, described by Washington as a front organisation for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).

Among those sanctioned is Mohammed Khatib, European coordinator of Samidoun, based in Belgium, where authorities had already sought to strip him of refugee status two years ago. Samidoun presents itself as an international network advocating for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.

Also targeted is Saif Abu Keshek, a Spain-based activist who participated in a Gaza flotilla recently intercepted by the Israeli navy off Greece. He was taken to Israel on suspicion of Hamas ties before being expelled to Barcelona.

"Today's action highlights how Hamas exploits diaspora organisations, religious institutions and so-called civil society groups to advance its malign agenda while invoking humanitarian objectives," the State Department said.

Under US sanctions, any assets held in the United States are frozen and American citizens and companies are prohibited from conducting business with the designated individuals — on pain of secondary sanctions.