The US Department of the Treasury announced on Monday (October 7) sanctions on entities and individuals who raise funds for Hamas from abroad. This action is one of the measures taken by the US government in response to the extremist organization’s attack on Israel, sparking the Gaza war anniversary.
In a press release on Monday, the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated new entities and individuals providing financial support to Hamas for sanctions. This includes three individuals who are the main international financial supporters of the organization, a fraudulent charity organization, and a Gaza financial institution controlled by Hamas. Additionally, OFAC also sanctioned a Yemeni Hamas supporter residing in Turkey and his nine businesses.
The Treasury Department stated in the press release, “These actors play a crucial role in fundraising for Hamas from abroad, often under the guise of charity work, providing funds for the organization’s terrorist activities.”
Janet Yellen, the US Treasury Secretary, stated in the press release that the department will continue to “relentlessly” weaken Hamas and other Iran-backed proxies, reducing their capabilities to fund and carry out more violent acts.
Yellen expressed, “The Treasury Department will use all available tools to hold Hamas and its enablers accountable, including those seeking to gain more sources of income by exploiting this situation.”
The press release highlighted that Hamas exploits the suffering in Gaza by raising funds through fake or front charity organizations, claiming to help civilians. Hamas members not only raise funds through fake or front charity organizations but also seek public support for the organization. By the beginning of 2024, Hamas could have received up to $10 million a month through such donations.
The statement also noted that Hamas views Europe as a significant source of fundraising and has stationed representatives on the continent for years, with one purpose being to raise funds through fake charity organizations.
The sanctions announced by the Treasury Department are a special action taken by the US government to commemorate the anniversary of the massacre on October 7. According to Israeli data, a year ago today, Hamas militants attacked towns and collective farms in southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking approximately 250 people hostage in Gaza.
The Treasury Department stated in Monday’s announcement that this is the eighth sanction implemented by the US against Hamas’ financial support system since the horrific terrorist attack on October 7 last year.
The department also mentioned that the US will continue to closely coordinate with partners such as the UK and Australia to combat Hamas’ financial supporters and will continue to work with allies to address the ongoing security threats in the region.