US Sanctions French-Based Fundraisers for Hamas

The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Friday against two France-based fundraisers, their organizations, and a Hamas operative, accusing them of funneling over $2 million to the militant group under the guise of humanitarian aid for Gaza. According to the Treasury, Fawzi Baraka and Amal Walid collaborated with Salima Abdullah Salim Alzaq, identified as a deputy battalion commander in Hamas's military wing residing in Gaza, to collect and transfer funds to Hamas between 2020 and 2026. Approximately $1.5 million of the total was raised after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. The Treasury stated that Baraka and Walid sent hundreds of thousands of dollars via cryptocurrency to Alzaq, who then transferred the money to Hamas. Baraka co-founded the "Association Baraka" with Alzaq, while Walid established "Ensemble C Mieux." Both organizations are accused of soliciting donations purportedly for civilians, with the proceeds ultimately going to Hamas. These sanctions are part of a broader FBI-led effort targeting Hamas fundraising activities, including those within the United States. The measures freeze any U.S.-jurisdiction assets held by the sanctioned individuals and organizations and generally prohibit Americans from engaging in transactions with them.