Victims Sue Iran, Syria, and North Korea Over Hamas Attack, Seeking Billions in Damages

Victims of the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel have filed a lawsuit in federal court in New York, accusing Iran, Syria, and North Korea of providing material support that enabled the assault, triggering ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The plaintiffs, seeking at least $4 billion in damages, allege that the defendants facilitated extrajudicial killings and hostage takings by funding, arming, and advising Hamas militants.

The United States has designated Iran, Syria, and North Korea as state sponsors of terrorism and classified Hamas as a specially designated global terrorist.

Should the plaintiffs prevail, compensation could come from a fund created by Congress for American victims of terrorism, funded by seized assets and penalties.

Citing previous court rulings, government reports, and public statements, the lawsuit highlights ties between Hamas and the defendant countries, including the use of North Korean weapons in the October 7 attack. However, it does not present direct evidence of foreknowledge by Tehran, Damascus, or Pyongyang.

Iran, despite denying prior knowledge of the attack, has supported Hamas as part of its anti-Israel stance, intensified since the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal.

The conflict escalated following an alleged Israeli strike on Iran’s Damascus embassy, prompting Tehran’s retaliatory drone and missile attacks on Israel in April.

Syria, supported by Iran, has relied on Hamas support amidst its civil war, while North Korea denies arming Hamas despite evidence suggesting the use of North Korean weaponry.

The lawsuit emphasizes the use of North Korean F-7 rocket-propelled grenades in the attack as evidence of Pyongyang’s involvement.

James Pasch of the ADL, representing the plaintiffs, stated, “Through this case, we will establish a historical record of the events and hold the perpetrators accountable.”

The October 7 attack resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 250 abductions, predominantly civilians, prompting Israel’s military response and subsequent casualties.

Over 125 plaintiffs, including families of victims and injured U.S. citizens, seek accountability under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, which allows liability for terrorism-related acts.

This lawsuit joins a growing number of cases related to the Israel-Hamas conflict in U.S. courts, including recent actions against the UN agency accused of indirectly funding Hamas.

Why This Matters: This lawsuit highlights attempts to hold state sponsors of terrorism accountable for their alleged roles in supporting militant activities abroad, potentially setting a precedent for similar cases.

Key Takeaways:

• Victims sue Iran, Syria, and North Korea over Hamas attack, seeking $4 billion in damages.
• Lawsuit alleges defendants facilitated attacks through funding and weapon supplies.
• Evidence includes previous court rulings and public statements linking defendants to Hamas.
• Iran, Syria, and North Korea designated as state sponsors of terrorism by the U.S.
• Compensation could be sought from a U.S. terrorism victims fund.