US announces third round of sanctions targeting Palestinian terrorists tied to Oct. 7 massacre

The United States announces a third round of sanctions targeting Hamas-affiliated individuals and entities in connection with the October 7 massacre in Israel.

The US Department of State is designating Akram al-Ajouri as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist for being a leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group.

Ajouri is the PIJ deputy secretary general and leader of its Al-Quds Brigade military wing.

The US Treasury Department also designates seven individuals and two entities that have provided support to or acted on behalf of Hamas or PIJ.

“Iran’s support, primarily through its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, enables Hamas and PIJ’s terrorist activities, including through the transfer of funds and the provision of both weapons and operational training. Iran has trained PIJ fighters to produce and develop missiles in Gaza while also funding groups that provide financial support to PIJ-affiliated fighters,” the State Department says, adding that the actions are being taken in coordination with the United Kingdom “to protect the international financial system from abuse by Hamas and its enablers.”