US sanctioned Lebanese national linked to Hamas found dead near Beirut

A man sanctioned by the U.S. for his alleged links with the Palestinian group Hamas was reported missing for a week and was later found dead on Wednesday, Lebanese state media and judicial officials said. Mohammad Srour, 57, was sanctioned by the U.S. in August 2019 for allegedly providing “financial, material, technological support, financial or other services” to Hamas and for his affiliation with Hezbollah. He was accused of transferring tens of millions of dollars annually to Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades, which is currently engaged in conflict with Israel’s military in Gaza. Lebanese judicial officials say Srour worked for Hezbollah’s financial arm. A top U.S. Treasury official visited Lebanon in March and pressed authorities to obstruct funds being funneled to Hamas through the Mediterranean country. Srour’s relatives in a televised statement said all his activities were transparent and he simply worked in money exchange. They urged security agencies to swiftly find the perpetrators. The circumstances of Srour’s death are unclear. Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency, referring to Srour by his initials, said he went missing for several days after he went to a money transfer shop to withdraw a payment sent to him. The NNA said his body was found with bullet wounds.