The EU approves a framework of sanctions against Hamas and includes six people responsible for its financing

EU officials in Brussels after approving sanctions against individuals linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad, stepping up the European response to violence in the Middle East.

In an effort to counter the violence in the Middle East, the European Union approves a new framework of sanctions aimed specifically at Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, blacklisting six key people in the financing of these terrorist organizations.

The European Union member States have approved on Friday a new framework of specific sanctions against the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, already including six people responsible for financing the activity of both terrorist groups.

In this way, the EU takes a step forward in its response to Hamas after the unprecedented attacks of last October 7, which have been responded by Israel with an offensive in the Gaza Strip that has lasted for more than three months and leaves more than 24,600 dead.

Through this mechanism, the Twenty-Seven will be able to sanction "those who support, materially or financially" both groups. In a statement, the EU Council explains that it will also serve to impose measures against individuals or entities that collaborate in the "planning, preparation or facilitation of violent actions by Hamas or Islamic Jihad."

The sanctions will be aimed at those who facilitate the supply, sale or transfer of weapons or anyone involved in actions that threaten Israel or go against International Humanitarian Law.

In the first decisions related to this new framework of sanctions, six people responsible for their finances, including people living in Algeria and Sudan, have been placed on the EU's 'blacklist'.

"With today's decision of a specific framework of restrictive measures against those who support the violent actions of Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the EU shows that we are ready to take decisive measures to react to the brutality shown by the terrorists on October 7," EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Josep Borrell said in a statement in which he stressed that Israelis and Palestinians "deserve to live in a just, lasting and secure peace."

In this way, the European bloc is making progress in its promise to impose sanctions against Hamas in order to economically suffocate the group and cut off the supply of weapons. In the same context, Borrell proposed measures against radical settlers responsible for episodes of violence in the West Bank, a step that has not yet seen the light of day within the EU.