EU Sanctions Hamas-Linked Financier After CNN Probe

The European Union has recently imposed sanctions on Abdelbasit Hamza, a Sudanese financier believed to have strong connections with Hamas. This action follows an investigation by CNN and the Israeli investigative platform Shorim, which revealed Hamza’s extensive business dealings in Europe, despite being previously sanctioned by the United States after the attacks on October 7.

Hamza, who has denied any involvement in financing Hamas, reportedly has a global asset network valued at over $2 billion, according to Sudanese anti-corruption officials. The Council of the EU, in a recent press release, announced the implementation of a new sanctions regime designed to target individuals or entities supporting Hamas, either materially or financially.

This new EU regime expands its scope to include those aiding or enabling violent actions by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), essentially sanctioning the sponsors of these terrorist organizations. Alongside Hamza, the EU sanctioned five other individuals, including prominent Hamas financier Rida Ali Khamis and key Hamas operative Musa Dudin. These individuals are now subject to asset freezes and travel bans within the EU.

Josep Borrell, the EU’s top diplomat, stated that these sanctions demonstrate the EU’s resolve to respond firmly to terrorist acts, especially in light of the violence on October 7.