Sunday, May 31, 2026-The European Union has expanded its sanctions against Hamas by targeting 10 senior members of the group’s political bureau, including prominent leader Khaled Mashaal.
The new measures include travel bans and asset freezes, with EU officials stating that the individuals play a direct role in promoting, defending, or justifying violent actions linked to Hamas. Other sanctioned figures include Khalil Al-Hayya, Moussa Abu Marzouk, Zaher Jabarin, Husam Badran, and several other senior political leaders.
At the same time, the EU imposed sanctions on four Israeli settler-linked organizations and individuals accused of involvement in abuses against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
The measures target groups and leaders that European officials describe as supporting extremist settlement activities and contributing to violence in the territory. The move reflects a broader EU strategy aimed at increasing pressure on actors it says are contributing to instability and human rights violations on both sides of the conflict.
The sanctions mark a significant shift in European policy by directly targeting Hamas’s top political leadership rather than focusing mainly on its military structures. The decision comes as international concern continues to grow over the ongoing conflict, regional security risks, and stalled diplomatic efforts.
Analysts say the move signals a tougher European approach toward both militant groups and extremist settler networks as pressure mounts for renewed political solutions in the region.
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