Washington has imposed sanctions on several Palestinian organizations operating in the Gaza Strip, accusing them of supporting Hamas. The measures target groups that provide humanitarian aid and those involved in efforts to break the blockade on the territory.
The US State Department stated that the sanctions apply to six Gaza-based organizations claiming to provide medical care to Palestinian civilians. However, the US alleges that these groups secretly support the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas.
Among those sanctioned is the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad. The US Treasury Department claims this organization is being penalized for its covert support of the al-Qassam Brigades and engaging in deceptive fundraising practices that undermine legitimate aid efforts for civilians.
The Treasury Department further stated that Hamas’s alleged practice of operating behind the scenes with civilian organizations endangers Palestinians and undermines efforts to build a lasting and prosperous peace.
The Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, ostensibly representing Palestinians broadly, is accused of being secretly managed by Hamas and playing a prominent role in supporting flotillas attempting to reach Gaza. The organization, based in Lebanon, has organized conferences in Turkey bringing together Palestinians from the diaspora.
The US Treasury Department has also sanctioned Zaher Khaled Hassan al-Birawi, a UK-based official within the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad.
In addition to the Popular Conference, the sanctions target six Palestinian associations: Al-Falah Association, Al-Nour Association, Al-Salamah Association, Al-Ayadi Al-Rahima Association, Qawafil Association, and Waed Association. All these organizations are based in Gaza and operate within the devastated territory.
The sanctions aim to disrupt what the US government describes as Hamas’s network of support and financial resources.
