US designates Gaza-based groups for allegedly funding Hamas’s armed wing

What the U.S. did

The U.S. government announced new sanctions designations aimed at what it described as covert Hamas funding networks.

The action targets six Gaza-based organizations that claim to provide medical care to Palestinian civilians, as well as the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad. The United States said the designated entities secretly support the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing, and engage in deceptive fundraising that undermines aid to civilians.

Authority cited

The State Department said the designations were taken under Executive Order 13224, as amended, a U.S. counterterrorism authority.

The statement also noted that the U.S. Department of State previously designated Hamas under Executive Order 13224 on Oct. 31, 2001, and that Hamas is designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Additional details provided

The State Department said the United States intends to use available tools to disrupt what it described as deceitful fundraising practices, and reiterated its commitment to enabling humanitarian aid delivery through “reliable and safe organizations” and supporting stabilization efforts for the Gaza Strip.

The statement directed readers to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s press releases for additional information on the action.