WASHINGTON - The United States has imposed sanctions on individuals and organizations across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. These actions target alleged financiers of Hamas's military wing, who are accused of using charitable activities as a front.
The sanctions include the Al Weam Charitable Society in Gaza, which authorities believe is controlled by Hamas, and its executive director, Muhammad Sami Muhammad Abu Marei. Also targeted are Filistin Vakfi, a Turkey-based charity, and its president, Zeki Abdullah Ibrahim Ararawi.
Additional charities in Algeria, the Netherlands, and Italy have also been sanctioned. The Treasury Department is also focusing on a charity linked to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).
A 2024 Treasury report highlights the increasing difficulty in detecting terrorist financing through online crowdfunding disguised as charitable donations. Authorities are concerned about the complexities this creates in identifying and preventing the misuse of funds for terrorist activities.
The administration aims to cut off financial support for illicit activities and emphasize the need to monitor money flows potentially directed to terrorist-linked organizations. The sanctions are a part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism financing globally.