Washington: The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on six Palestinian nonprofit organizations, accusing them of maintaining covert ties with the Hamas movement. The move seeks to curb Hamas's influence, which the US alleges operates through civilian organizations in ways that threaten peace efforts in the region.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Treasury Department's press release highlighted that these actions are intended to expose organizations secretly aligned with Hamas, thereby aiding the international community's support for genuine Palestinian interests. John K. Hurley, Under-Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, emphasized that Hamas continues to disregard the welfare of Palestinians, and the US administration will not ignore the exploitation of the financial system to fund terrorist operations.
The targeted organizations are based in Gaza and claim to offer medical services to Palestinian civilians. However, the US government alleges they support Hamas's military wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades. The Treasury Department accuses these organizations of using deceptive practices to solicit funds from international donors, depriving civilians of essential medical care.
In addition to these groups, OFAC has targeted the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad. The organization is said to be under the clandestine control of Hamas and has backed several flotillas attempting to reach Gaza. This action is taken under the authority of Executive Order 13224, which allows for the designation of individuals and entities involved in terrorism.
Hamas was designated by the US Department of State in 2001 under the same executive order for its involvement in terrorist activities that pose risks to US nationals and interests. The group is also recognized as a Foreign Terrorist Organization under the Immigration and Nationality Act.