GAZA, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- Hamas on Thursday condemned the United States' decision to sanction several Gaza-based charities, calling the move "unjust" and driven by Israeli influence.

Palestinian militants take part in a military maneuver in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Dec. 29, 2021. (Photo: Xinhua)

In a statement, the group said the sanctions would "perpetuate the suffering of Gaza Strip residents, a suffering created by the Israeli occupation," and urged the U.S. to reverse the measures, which it said "favor the occupation."

Hamas also called on Washington to pressure Israel to meet its obligations under existing agreements, including reopening crossings for aid and allowing a newly formed Palestinian committee to begin operations in the enclave.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions against six Gaza-based charity and Palestinian diaspora organizations that it said "claim to provide medical care to Palestinian civilians but in fact support" Hamas' military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades.