US Charges 6 Hamas Leaders for October Attack

The U.S. Department of Justice has unsealed criminal charges against six senior Hamas leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, for their roles in orchestrating the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,200 people, including over 40 Americans. The charges include conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to murder U.S. nationals, and conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction. The DOJ's actions mark the first formal effort by American law enforcement to hold Hamas leaders accountable for this attack and their decades-long campaign of violence. Three of the charged leaders are already deceased, while the others remain at large, with Sinwar believed to be hiding in Gaza. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized this is part of a broader effort to target every aspect of Hamas' operations, which have been supported by Iran and Hezbollah.