Recently, there has been a growing concern from lawmakers and others about the possibility of funds being channeled from some U.S.-based charities to support the actions of Hamas, an internationally-recognized terrorist organization. Republican lawmaker Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania has been especially vocal on the issue, and has been pressing the Treasury Department for information regarding the cash flow between certain charities and Hamas.
The concerns stem from reports of money coming from two pro-Palestinian charities, Al Makassed and the Ramallah-based Al Nusur Charitable Society, which have links to Hamas. Kelly has requested that the Treasury Department provide details on the money that has been sent to Hamas, and how exactly those funds were used.
Kelly has also asked the Treasury Department to provide information on the extent of U.S. involvement in the transfer of funds. He is particularly concerned about the way the funds were sent to Hamas-controlled organizations, and the legal implications of such transfers.
The discussion around the issue is heightened in the wake of the recently announced increase in funding for certain Palestinian causes from the U.S. This includes $75 million in economic assistance to the West Bank and Gaza, which Kelly believes should not be used to “support terrorism or provide any assistance to terrorist organizations.”
In addition to Kelly’s inquiry, the House of Representatives has also recently passed legislation targeting Hamas’s financial networks, which would restrict the ability of the organization to collect funds from the U.S.
The Treasury Department has yet to respond to Kelly’s inquiry, but it is clear that there is a growing sense of urgency surrounding the issue of money flowing from U.S.-based charities to Hamas. It remains to be seen what kind of effect this inquiry, and the accompanying legislation, will have on Hamas and its ability to collect funds from the U.S.
“GOP Lawmaker Uncovers Surprising Money Trail Tying Pro-Palestinian Charities to Hamas
