BRUSSELS — The European Union sanctioned Khaled Mashaal and nine other Hamas political bureau leaders on May 31, 2026. The move targeted senior figures in Hamas’ leadership structure as part of broader efforts to address the group’s actions in the region.
The sanctioned individuals include Nizar Mohammed Awadallah, Mohammad Nazzal, Husam Badran, Khalil Al Hayya, Muhammad Ismail Darwish, Zaher Jabarin, Abu Khalil Al Quds, Fathi Hamad, and Moussa Abu Mazrouk. The EU Council stated that the members of the Hamas Politburo “play a role in the decision-making process and exert influence over the actions of the military wing of Hamas, including its violent actions.” The Council added that the Politburo members “bear overall responsibility for those actions.”
The sanctions were finalized following an agreement by EU foreign ministers on May 11, 2026. According to EU officials, the measures were implemented in the interest of curbing Hamas violence.
Hamas condemned the sanctions, calling them biased and aligned with Israeli narratives. In a Saturday statement, the group said, “The attempt to criminalize the Palestinian resistance will not change the fact that our people are under occupation, their resistance is a legitimate right guaranteed by all laws and humanitarian norms, and the occupation is the root of the conflict and source of instability.” Hamas added, “Additionally, the targeting of political leaders confirms that these sanctions come as a response to pressure from the occupation and are not based on standards of justice.” The statement framed the EU’s action as politically motivated rather than grounded in legal or humanitarian principles.