France has taken steps to curb Hamas finances by freezing the assets of key figures associated with the group, and the move is part of a broader effort to tighten financial networks linked to Hamas. The announcement was reported by Reuters, which cited a statement from French authorities detailing the asset freeze targeting Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader in Gaza. The measure underscores Paris’s commitment to pursuing sanctions not just at the national level but also in coordination with European partners to extend pressure across the European Union’s framework.
The French government indicated that Sinwar’s financial holdings were blocked as part of a larger strategy to disrupt the organization’s ability to fund its activities. In parallel with the Sinwar action, France has signaled ongoing cooperation with its EU partners to broaden sanctions against Hamas individuals and the organization’s global financial network. This collaborative approach reflects Europe’s intent to maintain a united front on issues related to extremism and political violence in the region.
Earlier in the month, on November 13, France announced national sanctions targeting another Hamas security leadership figure, Mohammed Deif, described as a military commander, along with his deputy, Marwan Issa. These sanctions are presented as measures aimed at depriving the group of resources and limiting its operational capabilities. The moves come amid a broader international focus on curbing Hamas’s access to funding streams and financial channels that could support militant activities.
The sanctions occur as French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized a clear stance on the objectives of military operations in Gaza. Macron stressed that any Israeli military campaign should aim beyond the destruction of Hamas, suggesting a broader set of goals that might include maintaining civilian safety and addressing humanitarian considerations. This position indicates an effort to balance security concerns with regional stability and the protection of noncombatants during the ongoing conflict.
In related developments, Macron later confirmed that Hamas had released three French teenagers from captivity. The release is described as a significant humanitarian development separate from the broader security and sanctions discussions surrounding Hamas. The confirmation adds a layer of complexity to the evolving situation in the Gaza context, where diplomatic, humanitarian, and security dimensions intersect repeatedly as events unfold.