U.S. Announces Charges Against Hamas Leaders in Relation to Deadly Attack

The United States has charged Hamas leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, for orchestrating a deadly attack on October 7, killing 1,200 people, including 40 Americans. The charges cite Iranian support and Hezbollah's involvement. The announcement follows the deaths of former leaders Ismail Haniyeh and others in Israeli strikes.

The United States announced criminal charges on Tuesday against Hamas' top leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, for their roles in planning, supporting, and perpetrating the deadly October 7 attack in southern Israel.

The charges allege that Sinwar, along with at least five others, orchestrated the attack that left 1,200 people dead, including over 40 Americans. The incident spurred an Israeli assault on Gaza, resulting in the deaths of more than 40,800 Palestinians and widespread destruction.

Attorney General Merrick Garland stated, "As outlined in our complaint, those defendants—armed with weapons, political support, and funding from the Government of Iran, and support from Hezbollah—have led Hamas's efforts to destroy the State of Israel and murder civilians in support of that aim." The complaint lists six defendants, three of whom are deceased.

(With inputs from agencies.)