In announcing the move, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson emphasized that "these designations target key terrorist groups and leaders-including two sponsored and directed by Iran-who are threatening the stability of the Middle East, undermining the peace process, and attacking our allies Egypt and Israel. Today's actions are an important step in denying them the resources they need to plan and carry out their terrorist activities."

According to the State Department, Haniyeh, who serves as president of Hamas's "political bureau," has "close links with Hamas' military wing and has been a proponent of armed struggle, including against civilians."

"He has reportedly been involved in terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens. Hamas has been responsible for an estimated 17 American lives killed in terrorist attacks," the State Department said.

The designation by the State Department seeks to prevent these individuals from obtaining the resources they need to plan or carry out terror attacks. As such, all their property and interests subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and U.S. citizens are prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.

Hamas called the U.S. move "a failed attempt to put pressure on the resistance," adding, "This step won't deter us from continuing on our path and striving to expel the occupation."

[Reprinted with permission of JNS.org]

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Wow! Man Paralyzed in Diving Mishap Has Medical Miracle a Year after AI-Powered Brain Implant

US Cities Hit PAUSE on Water Fluoridation in the Wake of Historic Ruling

Alberta Premier Confirms Forthcoming Bill to Ban Gender Reassignment Surgery for Children

Virginia Teacher Fired over Pronoun Use Wins Settlement

'Banned Books Week' Reveals the Depravity of the American Library Association and Its Allies

Toyota/Lexus Reverses Course, Stops Woke Practices after Being Called Out

Fire Fighters Union Refuses to Endorse Harris: 'Best Way to Preserve and Strengthen Our Union'

Dockworkers Suspend Strike Until January

Death Toll Climbs to At Least 200 in Southeast, Hundreds Still Missing or Trapped amid Helene Devastation

Miracles and Mysteries: For KING + COUNTRY Singer Joel Smallbone's Powerful Mission to Inspire after 'Unsung Hero'

NC Flooding: This Family's Account of Hope in the Midst of Tragedy Will Build Your Faith

22 States Ask Court to Block Biden-Harris Rule Allowing 'Transgender' Males in Girls' Sports, Bathrooms

'A Game Changer': Another Women's Volleyball Team Refuses to Play against Male Opponent; 'Don't Be Surprised If More Schools Follow Suit'

No Autopsy for 'Wrongly Accused' Pro-Life January 6 Protester Who Died Suddenly in Federal Custody

RNC Announces Even More Election Integrity Wins Ahead of November Election

ICE: Illegal Alien Sanctuaries Shielding 'Dangerous Criminals' Victimizing Their Communities

Shameful: Biden-Kamala Regime Used $1 BILLION in FEMA Funds for Illegal Aliens; FEMA Now Lacks Money for Disaster Response!

Netflix Suffers Record Cancellations after Co-Founder Donates $7 Million to Kamala Harris

'It's Heartwarming': In Hurricane Helene Aftermath Neighbors Serve One Another Despite Loss

Georgia Judge 'Denies Humanity of Unborn Children' by Striking Down 6-Week Protection, Expert Says