UK imposes landmark counter-terrorism sanctions on a financier and key Hamas-linked organisation, freezing assets and disrupting funding flows to protect national security

The action designates Mohammed Abu Shamala and the Lebanon-based al-Shahid Social Association under the UK’s counter-terrorism sanctions regime, freezing their assets and prohibiting UK persons from providing funds, economic resources or financial services to them. It marks the first time the UK has used its autonomous terrorism sanctions powers to target entities operating outside conflict zones, signalling a strengthened effort to cut off global financial support networks linked to Hamas…