The U.S. Department of Justice is charging six Hamas leaders with terrorism and other crimes related to the deadly October 7th attack in Israel, Attorney General Merrick Garland announced yesterday. The charges are part of a sweeping effort to hold Hamas accountable for its actions during the brutal attack, which left nearly 1,200 people dead, including more than 40 Americans.
The six defendants have been identified by the FBI as top figures within Hamas, including the group’s political head, Yahya Sinwar. According to Garland, these leaders orchestrated the October assault, which involved the killing of civilians and the kidnapping of hundreds more. Sinwar, alongside other high-ranking Hamas members, is being held responsible for the attack that sent shockwaves through Israel and the global community.
“Hamas terrorists murdered nearly 1,200 innocent people in Israel, including over 40 Americans, and took hundreds more as hostages,” Garland said during the announcement. He emphasized that the U.S. will ensure Hamas is held accountable not only for the October 7th attack but for all acts of terrorism committed by the group.
The charges come as part of a broader international effort to bring justice to the victims of the attack and to target Hamas leadership. The U.S. continues to work closely with Israeli authorities and other international partners to track down those responsible.
The indictment of these Hamas leaders signals a clear stance by the U.S. government to combat terrorism and protect its citizens abroad.
