Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad: Council prolongs restrictive measures for another year

The Council last January 16 decided to extend by one year, until 20 January 2027, the existing restrictive measures against those who support, facilitate or enable violent actions by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).

Those designated are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are prohibited from making funds available to them. Individuals are additionally subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU member states.

As a result of the annual review, the Council also decided to remove a deceased individual from the list. Therefore, a total of 11 individuals and three entities are currently sanctioned under this framework of restrictive measures.

Background

On 7 October 2023, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issued a statement on behalf of the EU on the attacks against Israel, condemning in the strongest possible terms the multiple and indiscriminate attacks by Hamas and deeply deploring the loss of lives.

On 19 January 2024, the Council established a dedicated framework of restrictive measures and listed six individuals, to hold them accountable of supporting, facilitating, or enabling violent actions by Hamas and the PIJ. This regime also complements the restrictive measures previously adopted against Hamas and the PIJ under Common Position 2001/931/CFSP (the ‘EU Terrorist List’).

In its conclusions of 18 December 2025, the European Council welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 on the establishment of the Board of Peace and of a temporary International Stabilisation Force, as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. It called on all parties to implement the resolution in its entirety, and in line with relevant international political and legal principles.

In this context, the European Council reaffirmed the EU’s strong commitment to international law and to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution in accordance with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side-by-side in peace within secure and recognised borders. The European Union will contribute to all efforts towards this solution.

The European Union is committed to contributing to this implementation, including through an enhanced mandate for its two civilian missions EU BAM Rafah and EUPOL COPPS, as well as through engagement in the Civil-Military Coordination Centre. The EU stands ready to support the establishment of the Board of Peace and will actively engage with partners on the next steps.

More information: Council of the European Union