Justice Department charges Hamas leaders and militants over Oct 7 massacre in Israel

The United States' Justice Department on Tuesday announced it was charging Hamas leaders and other key militants related to the Oct. 7 massacre in Israel with multiple conspiracy charges.

The criminal complaint was initially sealed and filed in February in order to give them time to arrest the suspects. But three of the six defendants are now presumed dead, including then-Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Another Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, is also on the list, but is believed to be hiding in tunnels, according to the Associated Press.

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, resulting in death. 

“The charges unsealed today are just one part of our effort to target every aspect of Hamas’ operations,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a video statement. “These actions will not be our last.”

The Justice Department also accused Iran and terror group Hezbollah of providing weapons and financial support for the attack.

The charges come after six hostages believed to have been executed by Hamas were discovered in Gaza over the weekend. One of the deceased was Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin.

One unnamed U.S. official told the AP that they do not believe the new charges will disrupt ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire. The U.S. is helping to facilitate the ceasefire agreement, which they hope will also end the nearly year-long war.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.