The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced on Wednesday that it is taking action against nonprofit organizations linked to Hamas, citing the group’s use of civilian fronts to conceal financing and activities.
The Treasury sanctioned Waed Society Gaza; Al-Nur Society Gaza; Qawafil Society Gaza; Al-Falah Society Gaza; Merciful Hands Gaza; and Al-Salameh Society Gaza, stating that the organizations had been "integrated into Hamas’s military wing."
“Hamas continues to show a callous disregard for the welfare of the Palestinian people,” Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley stated.
“The Trump Administration will not look the other way while Hamas leadership and enablers exploit the financial system to fund terrorist operations.”
The measures are intended to disrupt covert channels and strengthen oversight of charitable networks, according to the OFAC.
"By exposing organizations with secret ties to Hamas, OFAC is strengthening the international community’s ability to support legitimate Palestinian interests," the statement read.
Implications of sanctions
Sanctioning the organizations means that any properties owned by the groups must be reported to OFAC, and violation of sanctions may result in criminal penalties on both US or foreign persons.
The prohibitions include "the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated or blocked person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person."
"We're committed to disrupting networks that fund terrorists and divert aid from those in need," the spokesman for the State Department stated.