Japan adopts additional sanctions targeting Hamas's financers

The Japanese government has decided to impose additional sanctions on groups and individuals linked to Hamas with the aim of cutting off its funding.

Cabinet ministers on Tuesday approved sanctions on two individuals involved in fundraising and four organizations managing the assets of Hamas.

The targets will be subject to an asset freeze. Twelve people, including senior Hamas officials, are already subject to the measure.

The government says the additional sanctions underscore Japan's position that it does not tolerate Hamas's attacks and kidnappings targeting civilians. It says Japan condemns such "terrorist" acts.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa told reporters that the sanctions' list was expanded to cut off Hamas's source of funding and to prevent any loopholes that would allow the flow of terrorism financing.

Hayashi said the government will continue studying as appropriate, whether to sanction additional parties related to Hamas.

• #Japan
• #Politics
• #Israel-Hamas conflict