On January 31, 2018, the US Department of State sanctioned Ismail Haniyeh and three terrorist groups as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 13224. According to the press statement, “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.”

According to the State Department, Haniyeh was sanctioned as a “leader and President of the Political Bureau of Hamas.”

The designation statement noted that “Haniyeh has close links with Hamas’ military wing,” the Izz al-Din Al-Qassam Brigades.