Charges come days after the IDF recovered bodies of six hostages in Gaza
US Justice Department announces terrorism charges against Hamas leaders
Attorney General Merrick Garland said Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and others were charged for planning, supporting and perpetrating Hamas' October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel.
The U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday unsealed criminal charges against Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar and other leaders of the brutal terrorist organization over the "terrorist atrocities" of the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre in Israel.
The criminal complaint filed in federal court in New York City includes charges of conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, resulting in death.
Yahya Sinwar chairs a meeting with leaders of Palestinian factions at his office in Gaza City, April 13, 2022. On Tuesday, he was named leader of Hamas. (AP)
"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 address. "These actions will not be our last. The Justice Department has a long memory. We will pursue the terrorists responsible for murdering Americans – and those who illegally provide them with material support – for the rest of their lives."
Hamas stormed into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 Israelis and taking hundreds more hostage.
Tuesday’s charges come days after Israel Defense Forces recovered the bodies of six hostages – including 23-year-old Israeli American Hersh Goldberg-Polin – in the tunnels beneath Rafah in the Gaza Strip.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Fox News’ David Spunt contributed to this report.
Bradford Betz is a Fox News Digital breaking reporter covering crime, political issues, and much more.
