On January 19, 2024, the Council of the European Union adopted Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/385 and Council Regulation (EU) 2024/386 to establish a designated sanctions framework enabling EU authorities to impose restrictive measures against those who facilitate or support violent actions by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (“PIJ”). The framework, established in response to the attacks perpetrated by Hamas and the PIJ in Israel on October 7, 2023, will be in force until January 19, 2025, and will be renewed or amended if the Council determines that its objectives have not been met. Specifically, the regime enables the European Union to target supporters of Hamas and the PIJ, including those who provide material or financial support to Hamas or the PIJ; participate in the planning or preparation of their violent actions; supply or transfer arms or materiel to Hamas or the PIJ; or support actions by Hamas or the PIJ that threaten the stability or security of Israel. According to the Council, this is the first time that the EU will be authorized to target the sponsors of those who sponsor Hamas or the PIJ.
On January 19, 2024, the Council also designated six individuals under the new framework who allegedly provided financial support to Hamas, including senior Hamas financier Rida Ali Khamis and senior Hamas operative Musa Dudin. All designees will be subject to travel bans and asset freezes in the European Union, and EU individuals and entities will be prohibited from providing funds and economic resources to persons listed under the framework.
Council of the EU Press Release | Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/385 | Council Regulation (EU) 2024/386