The United States has taken a significant step in its response to the deadly October 7th attack in southern Israel, announcing criminal charges against top leaders of the militant group Hamas. These charges, unveiled on Tuesday, target Yahya Sinwar, the group’s chief, and at least five other individuals. The indictment accuses them of orchestrating the attack, which resulted in the tragic loss of over 1,200 lives, including more than 40 American citizens.
This attack triggered a devastating Israeli counteroffensive on Gaza, leading to the deaths of over 40,800 Palestinians and widespread destruction in the territory. The charges against Hamas leaders paint a picture of a meticulously planned operation, highlighting the group’s alleged coordination with Iran and Hezbollah.
Attorney General Merrick Garland stated in a statement, “As outlined in our complaint, those defendants – armed with weapons, political support, and funding from the Government of Iran, and support from (Hezbollah) – have led Hamas’s efforts to destroy the State of Israel and murder civilians in support of that aim.”
The complaint names six defendants, three of whom are deceased. Among the living defendants are Sinwar, believed to be in hiding in Gaza; Khaled Meshaal, based in Doha and leading the group’s diaspora office; and Ali Baraka, a senior Hamas official residing in Lebanon.
The deceased defendants include former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who the group claims was assassinated in Tehran in July; military wing chief Mohammed Deif, who Israel maintains was killed in a July airstrike; and Marwan Issa, a deputy military commander Israel says was eliminated in a March strike. Iran has publicly attributed Haniyeh’s death to Israel, though Israeli officials have not publicly acknowledged responsibility.
While US prosecutors brought charges against the six men in February, the complaint remained under seal in hopes of apprehending Haniyeh. The Justice Department decided to publicize the charges following Haniyeh’s death.
