EU broadens Hamas, PIJ sanctions framework, adds 10 Hamas political bureau members

BRUSSELS, May 28, 2026 — The Council of the European Union on Thursday expanded the scope of its restrictive measures on Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad to cover members of Hamas’ political bureau who, it said, promote, defend and justify the group’s violent actions. The Council simultaneously added 10 individuals from that body to the sanctions list.

The move follows a political agreement reached by EU foreign ministers on May 11, according to the Council. It said Hamas political bureau members play a significant role in the organization’s decision-making and wield considerable influence over the group’s military wing, including over violent actions.

With the new listings, the EU framework now covers 21 natural persons and three entities. Those designated face an asset freeze, while listed individuals are also subject to a travel ban. EU citizens and companies are barred from making funds or economic resources available to sanctioned parties, directly or indirectly.

The sanctions were imposed under the EU’s dedicated Hamas and PIJ regime created on Jan. 19, 2024, after the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. The framework complements separate EU counterterrorism listings under the bloc’s broader terrorist sanctions regime.

The Council had previously added six individuals and three entities in June 2024 and, after an annual review, extended the regime in January 2026 until Jan. 20, 2027. Before Thursday’s action, 11 individuals and three entities were sanctioned under the framework after one deceased person was removed from the list earlier this year.