U.S. Launches Task Force to Investigate Hamas Attack

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U.S. Launches Task Force to Investigate Hamas Attack \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Justice Department has established “Joint Task Force October 7” (JTF 10-7) to investigate Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, focusing on war crimes, terrorism, and financial support. The task force will also probe potential civil rights violations and antisemitic acts linked to Hamas supporters. The Biden administration previously filed charges against Hamas leaders, and the FBI will now work closely with Israel’s counter-terrorism agency.

Justice Department’s Hamas Task Force: Quick Looks

DOJ’s New Initiative: The Justice Department announced a special task force, JTF 10-7, to investigate Hamas.
Targeting October 7 Attackers: The task force will pursue those responsible for Hamas’ attack on Israel.
FBI-Israel Collaboration: FBI agents will work with Israel’s counter-terror finance bureau.
Terrorism and Support Investigations: DOJ will examine individuals or entities providing material support to Hamas.
Crackdown on Antisemitism: The task force will also investigate civil rights violations related to antisemitic incidents.
Legal Action on Hamas Leaders: DOJ previously charged Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, though he was later killed by Israeli forces.
Trump Administration’s Stance: President Trump has warned Hamas to release hostages and cracked down on pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
University Probes: DOJ is investigating Columbia University over allegations of harboring illegal immigrants linked to protests.

Deep Look

DOJ Unveils Joint Task Force October 7 (JTF 10-7)

In a significant move to address terrorism and related crimes, the U.S. Justice Department announced the creation of a specialized task force to investigate Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The newly formed Joint Task Force October 7 (JTF 10-7) will focus on bringing Hamas militants responsible for the attack to justice while also probing civil rights violations and potential acts of antisemitism linked to Hamas supporters.

The Justice Department stated that agents and federal prosecutors within JTF 10-7 will coordinate efforts to track down individuals involved in terrorism, financial support for Hamas, and other illegal activities connected to the militant group. The task force’s mission aligns with ongoing U.S. counterterrorism efforts and reflects heightened scrutiny of groups and individuals suspected of supporting Hamas.

Targeting Perpetrators of the October 7 Attack

The brutal Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7 resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and the taking of 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched an extensive counteroffensive in Gaza, which has led to the deaths of over 48,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The conflict has also caused mass displacement and the destruction of entire neighborhoods.

The Justice Department has reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing justice for the victims of the attack. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized in a statement that “the barbaric Hamas terrorists will not win — and there will be consequences.”

JTF 10-7 will review ongoing cases and initiate new investigations into Hamas militants directly responsible for the October 7 atrocities. The DOJ also confirmed that the task force would handle previously filed U.S. charges against Hamas leaders.

Previous U.S. Charges Against Hamas Leaders

Last September, the Biden administration’s Justice Department unsealed charges against Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and other high-ranking militants in connection with the October 7 attack. However, the case has become largely symbolic, as Sinwar was later killed by Israeli forces, and several other indicted individuals are also presumed dead.

With the formation of JTF 10-7, the Justice Department is consolidating and expanding its legal efforts against Hamas and its global support networks. The task force will also oversee investigations into terror financing and other forms of material support for Hamas, ensuring that financial backers of terrorism face legal consequences.

FBI Joins Forces with Israel’s Counter-Terror Bureau

As part of its efforts to disrupt Hamas funding and operations, the DOJ confirmed that FBI agents will be embedded with Israel’s National Bureau of Counter Terror Finance. This collaboration is expected to enhance intelligence-sharing between the U.S. and Israel, particularly in tracking financial transactions linked to terrorist groups.

This move aligns with broader U.S. counterterrorism policy, which seeks to cut off funding channels that sustain militant organizations. By embedding agents within Israel’s counter-terror finance unit, the Justice Department aims to increase its ability to monitor, freeze, and prosecute illicit financial activities supporting Hamas.

Crackdown on Hamas Support and Antisemitic Incidents

The DOJ has also signaled its intention to investigate civil rights violations and potential acts of terrorism tied to Hamas supporters. The task force will examine whether individuals or organizations within the U.S. have provided material assistance to Hamas.

While the DOJ has not yet clarified what specific forms of support will be prosecuted, U.S. law explicitly prohibits providing material support to designated foreign terrorist organizations, including Hamas. This law encompasses financial aid, logistical assistance, and even certain forms of advocacy that could be construed as aiding terrorist activities.

Trump Administration’s Crackdown on Hamas and Pro-Palestinian Demonstrations

The announcement of the task force comes amid President Donald Trump’s increasingly hardline stance against Hamas and its supporters. Trump has issued a “last warning” to Hamas, demanding the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza. His administration has also taken steps to curb pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the U.S., particularly on university campuses.

Earlier this month, the DOJ revealed that it was investigating Columbia University for allegedly harboring undocumented immigrants involved in pro-Palestinian protests. In a related case, federal immigration agents arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia graduate student, over allegations that he was involved in activities supporting Hamas.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Khalil’s U.S. residency status was revoked due to his role in demonstrations that, according to officials, incited “anti-Jewish” sentiment. Khalil’s legal team is currently challenging his detention in court.

The Road Ahead for JTF 10-7

With the Justice Department, FBI, and Israeli counterterrorism agencies joining forces, JTF 10-7 is expected to play a key role in both prosecuting Hamas militants and curbing financial and logistical support for the group.

The Biden and Trump administrations have both emphasized that Hamas-linked activities—whether direct involvement in terrorism, financial backing, or advocacy that crosses legal lines—will be met with severe legal consequences.

As the task force gets to work, its investigations could have far-reaching implications for individuals, organizations, and financial institutions suspected of ties to Hamas, as well as for U.S. policy on combating terrorism both domestically and abroad.