The United States has imposed new sanctions on an international fund-raising network for the Palestinian movement “Hamas”, accusing it of playing an important role in the group's external financing, Reuters reported. The agency points out that Washington's decision was made on the anniversary of the start of the war in Gaza, quoted by BTA.
The US Treasury Department announced that it was imposing sanctions on three people and what it called a “fictitious“ a charity accused of being a major financial supporter of “Hamas”, as well as the “Al Intaj“ bank. in Gaza, which is believed to be controlled by the group.
Among those sanctioned is a long-time supporter of “Hamas” — a Yemeni citizen living in Turkey, as well as nine of his companies.
„Amid the commemoration of the first anniversary of the brutal terrorist attack by “Hamas”, the Treasury Department will continue to tirelessly weaken the capabilities of “Hamas” and other destabilizing Iranian proxies to finance their operations and commit new acts of violence”, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement.
„The ministry will use all its available tools to hold “Hamas” and those who facilitate their activities, including those who try to take advantage of the situation to obtain additional sources of funds, she added.
„Hamas is taking advantage of the suffering in Gaza to raise funds through fictitious and hollow charities that falsely claim to help civilians in Gaza,” the ministry said, adding that earlier this year the group could received $10 million a month in such donations. The US Treasury stated that “Hamas“ considers Europe a key source of charity.
Today's Ministry decisions are directed against a member of “Hamas“, residing on the territory of Italy, who created the fake "Charitable Association for Solidarity with the Palestinian People", accused of helping to finance the military wing of the “ Hamas“. A high-ranking representative of “Hamas” is also a target of the sanctions. in Germany, as well as a member of the group responsible for the activities of “Hamas” in Austria.