European Council announces sanctions on Hamas and Islamic Jihad-linked entities

The Council of the European Union has announced sanctions on entities linked to members of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).

In a statement, the body said it was listing six individuals and three entities responsible for participating in the financing of Hamas and PIJ or "enabling their violent actions."

Among those sanctioned was Jamil Yusuf Ahmad Aliyan, a PIJ official and leader of the Muhjat AlQuds Foundation, which the council described as an "Iran-funded organisation whose primary mission is to provide financial support to the families of PIJ fighters and prisoners."

In addition they said they were listing Ali Morshed Shirazi, a senior member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – Quds Force (IRGC-QF) official serving as Bureau Chief of the Palestine Branch.

"With today’s listings, a total of 12 individuals and three entities are sanctioned under the framework of restrictive measures against Hamas and the PIJ," said the council.

"Those listed under the sanctions regime are subject to an asset freeze. The provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to them is prohibited. Additionally, a travel ban to the EU applies to the natural persons listed."