Families of US Victims of the October 7 Massacre Sue Iran

In a landmark legal action, families of American victims killed during the October 7 massacre in Israel have filed a lawsuit against Iran, accusing the Islamic Republic of providing critical support to Hamas in carrying out the deadly attack. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in Washington, seeks justice for the victims of the Israel-Hamas war and targets not only Iran, but also terrorist organizations like Hamas, Hezbollah, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.

The case, representing the families of 256 American citizens, asserts that Iran played a key role in funding and encouraging terrorism against Israel. Lawyers for the plaintiffs have uncovered incontrovertible evidence—including documents and bank records—proving that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) funded Hamas, with funds funneled into what was referred to as a “big project” as early as December 2022, nearly a year before the attacks.

Key documents seized from Gaza this year have reportedly revealed a secret meeting among Hamas leaders, where former leader Yahya Sinwar specifically requested an additional $7 million a month from the IRGC to fund operations aimed at “destroying Israel.”

Lawyers Gary Osen, who has represented victims of terrorism in the past, and Lee Wolosky, emphasized that the documents, bank records, and other forms of evidence will be used to hold Iran and other parties accountable, both in U.S. courts and beyond. The legal team expressed their determination to pursue justice, regardless of how long the process takes.

Iran’s Role in State-Sponsored Terrorism

The lawsuit against Iran mirrors a similar case filed earlier this year by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which also accused Iran, Syria, and North Korea of providing material support to Hamas, without which the October 7 massacre would not have been possible. These suits highlight the growing body of evidence pointing to *Iran’s central role* in enabling terrorism across the region.

Legal Implications and Federal Funding

If the lawsuit is successful, it could unlock federal funds designated for victims of state-sponsored terrorism, similar to funds set aside for the victims of the 9/11 attacks. This could provide an additional financial and legal remedy to those impacted by the massacre.

The Long Road of Legal Accountability for State-Sponsored Terrorism

This lawsuit is not the first time families of victims have pursued legal action against state sponsors of terrorism. Since 2002, families of victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks have sought to hold Saudi Arabia and Iran accountable. In 2011, a case was won against Iran, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda, and the Taliban, though it was a default judgment as Iran failed to show up to defend itself.