U.S. charges Hamas leader in Oct. 7 attack

Seal lifted after assassination of predecessor lessened need for secrecy

- ERIC TUCKER

Yahya Sinwar was appointed the overall head of Hamas after the July killing of Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and sits atop Israel's mostwanted list.

The U.S. Justice Department announced criminal charges Tuesday against Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and other senior militants in connection with the Oct. 7 rampage in Israel, marking the first effort by American law enforcement to formally call out the masterminds of the attack.

The seven-count criminal complaint filed in federal court in New York City includes charges of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to murder U.S. nationals and conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction, resulting in death. It also accuses Iran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah of providing financial support, weapons, including rockets, and military supplies.