Lawsuit Filed Against Hamas and State Sponsors for October 7 Attacks

On September 18, 2025, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and law firm Crowell & Moring filed a federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., seeking at least $7 billion in damages on behalf of over 140 U.S. citizens and their families affected by the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks in Israel. The lawsuit targets Hamas, several other militant groups, and state sponsors Iran, Syria, and North Korea, alleging that these entities provided material support for the attacks, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 people and the taking of 251 hostages.

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The lawsuit names eight militant groups as defendants: Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, the Palestinian Mujahideen Movement, the Popular Resistance Committees, and Hezbollah. The plaintiffs assert that these groups were not acting independently but were organized and supported by state sponsors of terrorism, which have been designated as such by the U.S. State Department.

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The lawsuit leverages the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act and the Anti-Terrorism Act, which allow U.S. victims to sue state sponsors of terrorism and foreign terrorist organizations. While foreign states typically enjoy immunity from prosecution in U.S. courts, exceptions exist for acts of terrorism, torture, and related offenses. The ADL aims to hold accountable those responsible for the violence and to deter future attacks through punitive damages.

Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA)

David and Hazel Brief, whose son Yona was killed in the attacks, expressed their belief in the necessity of holding those responsible accountable in a court of law. They stated, “We believe it is critical that those responsible for the horrific terror inflicted that day are held accountable... to ensure the record is clear as to who helped support, plan and carry out the violence that day.”

Times of Israel

The October 7 attacks marked a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, leading to a protracted military response from Israel in Gaza. As of now, 47 hostages remain in Gaza, with varying reports on their status. The Palestinian death toll in the conflict has reportedly surpassed 65,000, according to local health officials.

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While the lawsuit aims to seek justice for the victims, it faces challenges, particularly in serving legal papers to foreign states like Syria and North Korea, which have not formally responded to previous lawsuits. Critics may argue about the symbolic nature of the lawsuit, given the complexities of international law and the practical difficulties in enforcing judgments against foreign entities.

The Hill

The ADL's current lawsuit follows a previous case filed in July 2024, which is still ongoing. The outcomes of these legal actions could potentially influence future litigation regarding terrorism and state accountability in U.S. courts.

Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA)

• “The victims of the October 7 massacre deserve justice, accountability and redress,” — Jonathan A. Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL

CNN

• “Our son’s life was senselessly cut short.” — David and Hazel Brief, plaintiffs in the lawsuit

Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA)

• “This lawsuit seeks to do that by holding those responsible for the carnage accountable, from the state sponsors who provided the funding, weapons, and training to the terrorist organizations who carried out these unspeakable atrocities.” — Jonathan A. Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL

CNN

This lawsuit represents a significant legal effort to address the ramifications of the October 7 attacks and seeks to hold accountable those deemed responsible for the violence.

Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA)