Hamas financing in Europe: uncovering explosive networks!

Hamas financing in Europe: uncovering explosive networks!

On October 7, 2024, the US Treasury Department unveiled drastic measures against Hamas, targeting the terrorist group's financing activities in Europe. The agency designated three prominent supporters in Germany, Italy and Turkey, as well as a pseudo-humanitarian organization that served as a front to raise funds for Hamas' terrorist activities. In Germany in particular, Majed al-Zeer, a high-ranking Hamas representative, plays a central role. Adel Doughman, who monitors Hamas's activities in Austria, and Mohammad Hannoun, who led the Charity Association of Solidarity with the Palestinian People (ABSPP) in Italy, were also named. According to reports, Hannoun has funneled over $4 million to Hamas since at least 2018, while his organization operates through a double game of alleged humanitarian aid and direct financial support to Hamas's military wing, such as ynetnews.com reported.

In the weeks following the October 7 attack, Hamas significantly expanded its fundraising activities in Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Britain. Reports from the European Leadership Network (ELNET) show that despite the EU's terrorism designation for Hamas, these organizations can continue to operate relatively unhindered. Daniel Shadmy, a spokesman for ELNET, said that up to 30 organizations acting as a front for Hamas activities are active in the EU and as a result three older, pan-European organizations have been closed and their activities shifted to newer, under-the-radar groups. In addition to those already mentioned, the key figures in these activities include Amin Abou Rashed and Zaher Birawi, all of whom have a direct or indirect connection to the new organizations, such as the “Palestinians in Europe Conference”, as reported in a report by jewishpress.com documented.

The reports highlight that the lack of enforcement of sanctions and the inability of European governments to effectively shut down these organizations are further exacerbating the problem. This is leading to growing concerns about their financial activities and their true goals in Europe. A call for an immediate investigation into these organizations is urgently needed to stop the financing of terrorism, according to ELNET.