Hamas Leaders Sanctioned by Canada in Response to Terror Attacks

Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly arrives for a cabinet meeting on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Sept. 26, 2023. The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick

Global Affairs Canada, led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly, has announced the imposition of sanctions against 11 individuals associated with terrorist organization Hamas.

“Canada unequivocally condemns Hamas’s terrorist attack against Israel, its unacceptable treatment of hostages and its heinous use of sexual and gender-based violence as a tactic of war,” Ms. Joly said in a Feb. 6 statement.

“Today’s announcement marks a significant step in Canada’s response to these acts and demonstrates our commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East.”

According to a Feb. 6 release, these individuals, holding senior positions within Hamas or its affiliates, played crucial roles in the planning, funding, and execution of terrorist attacks against Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. This action by Canada, in coordination with international partners, aims to disrupt Hamas’s ability to finance and execute future attacks against Israel.

This initiative represents the first instance of Canada applying the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) against a non-state actor. The sanctions entail a prohibition on any dealings involving the listed individuals, reinforcing Canada’s stance against terrorism and its commitment to a just and lasting peace in the region, according to Ms. Joly.

The list of sanctioned individuals includes Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas; Muhammed Deif, a military leader of Hamas; and Akram al-Ajouri, a military leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Canada has listed Hamas as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code since November 2002, along with other groups such as the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, and the al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, following UN Security Council Resolution 1373 (2001).

The Special Economic Measures Regulations enacted by Canada prohibit any transactions involving the named individuals and entities, leading to the freezing of any of their assets within Canada. It is forbidden for individuals in Canada and Canadians abroad to engage in transactions with those named, and those listed are also barred from entering Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Ms. Joly, in statements made during a Feb. 6 media scrum in Ottawa, emphasized that Hamas will be held responsible for its terrorist attacks. She noted this stance is a continuation of Canada’s policy to counter terrorism and ensure regional security.

Ms. Joly discussed measures to ensure Israel abides by provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice, highlighting Canada’s diplomatic engagement with Israeli officials.

She said she is communicating with her Israeli counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz, and is collaborating with various countries globally to halt the ongoing violence. The primary objective is to negotiate a hostage deal, which is crucial for enabling the release of hostages, increasing the flow of humanitarian aid, and compelling Hamas to disarm.

“The situation is dire, is catastrophic,” she said, referring to Gaza.

“And I’ve said many times it is one of the worst places to live on earth.”

The hope, she insisted, is that such a deal will initiate a truce, lasting initially for a few days and potentially extending to weeks, setting the stage for a lasting ceasefire. This ceasefire she sees as a vital step towards de-escalating tensions in the region.