Rhino: The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions on six senior leaders of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), the US Treasury Department said, in a further measure against the Palestinian movement as Washington seeks a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza.

The sanctions targeted Hamas representatives abroad, a senior member of Hamas’ military wing and others involved in supporting the group’s fundraising efforts and smuggling weapons into Gaza, the department said in a statement.

“Hamas continues to rely on key officials who ostensibly maintain legitimate public roles within the movement, but who facilitate its terrorist activities, represent its interests abroad, and coordinate the transfer of funds and goods to Gaza,” Bradley Smith, the Treasury Department’s acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in the statement.

“The Treasury Department remains committed to disrupting Hamas’ efforts to generate additional revenue and holding accountable those who facilitate the group’s terrorist activities.”