U.S. sanctions four charities over alleged Hamas funding

By Favour Ulebor

The United States Department of State has announced sanctions against four charities accused of funding Hamas militants in Gaza.

The announcement was made in Washington on Thursday, with officials describing the charities as part of an illicit global financial network that allegedly supports the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.

The administration of Donald Trump said the sanctions are aimed at exposing what it described as the use of civilian organisations to generate financial support for militant activities and to disrupt funding channels linked to operations in the Gaza Strip.

According to the State Department, the measures were imposed under Executive Order 13224, which allows the U.S. government to target individuals and entities suspected of supporting terrorism.

The U.S. has designated Hamas a Foreign Terrorist Organization since October 31, 2001, under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Officials said the latest action forms part of ongoing efforts to curb deceptive fundraising practices used to channel money to militant networks.

In a statement, the department said the sanctions were intended to disrupt financial flows linked to Hamas while ensuring humanitarian aid continues to reach civilians through credible organisations.

“We are committed to ensuring that humanitarian aid can be delivered by reliable and safe organizations and to supporting international efforts to advance legitimate Palestinian interests and lasting peace in the region,” the statement said.

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