![epa06488370 (FILE) - Hamas top leader Sheikh Ismail Haniyeh speaks during a press conference at his office in Gaza City, 23 January 2018 (reissued 31 January 2018). US Department of State on 31 January 2018 designated Ismail Haniyeh as Specially Designated Global Terrorist. State Department said in a statement that Haniyeh 'has close links with Hamas' military wing… reportedly been involved in terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens'. EPA/MOHAMMED SABER *** Local Caption *** 54058052](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/73JIM4QDT7QQAPHZF4PERZEXNQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=a4d67e8ff39fa177b5f2b1a8cd83c47dcec1264d37dfc61fb3eb9b0538e13246&width=400&height=225)
Hamas top leader Ismail Haniyeh speaks during a press conference at his office in Gaza City. Mohammed Saber / EPA
Hamas top leader Ismail Haniyeh speaks during a press conference at his office in Gaza City. Mohammed Saber / EPA
US designates Hamas leader a global terrorist
Three groups – two with links to Iran – also blacklisted by the state department