S-3166 : Still Just a Bill

The Hamas Sanctions Act of 2023, or S.3166, is a bill introduced in the Senate. It aims to:

• Prohibit official U.S. government business in Gaza and the West Bank.
• Suspend foreign aid to Gaza until Hamas no longer controls it.
• Impose sanctions and require reports on:
  • The provision of services to Hamas in allied countries.
  • Financial transactions benefiting Iran.
  • The use of human shields by terrorist groups.

Key Provisions:

• Sanctions on Hamas Support: Mandates reports on services provided to Hamas members in allied countries and imposes sanctions on those providing such services.
• Restrictions on Engagement: Prohibits actions that would authorize U.S. government business in Gaza and the West Bank that would otherwise be prohibited under terrorism sanctions regulations.
• Limits on Assistance: Restricts aid to Gaza unless the President certifies that Hamas does not control the area and expands prohibitions on assistance to the West Bank.
• Sanctions on Iran-Related Transactions: Requires reports on financial transactions benefiting Iran and imposes sanctions on entities involved, particularly concerning violations of existing sanctions.
• Combating Human Shields: Modifies and extends the Sanctioning the Use of Civilians as Defenseless Shields Act, expands the scope to include Palestine Islamic Jihad, and requires reports on countering the use of human shields.

In short, this bill seeks to increase sanctions and oversight related to Hamas, Iran, and the use of human shields, while restricting U.S. government activities and aid in certain regions.