Hamas Operative Ran Gaza Aid Fundraising Network in US

An international network, allegedly led by a Hamas operative, raised over $1.7 million from global donors for what was presented as humanitarian aid to Gaza residents. U.S. Department of Justice filings reveal that Salim Alzaak, a 45-year-old from Gaza, is accused of being a member of Hamas's military wing and serving as a battalion deputy and propaganda operative. He is also alleged to have photographed Hamas leaders, including Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh.

Three American citizens were also charged alongside Alzaak: brothers Abd and Omar Al-Adhami, 35 and 33, from Louisiana, and Raad Yousef, 56, from Florida. The Al-Adhami brothers allegedly raised about $105,000, while Yousef is accused of raising close to $50,000. The three were arrested in the U.S., and three additional suspects were arrested in France as part of the investigation.

According to the indictment, the fundraising campaign began in January 2020 and continued even after the October 7th massacre and during the ongoing war. Alzaak and his associates reportedly used social media to solicit donations, claiming they were for the poor, orphans, and families in Gaza. The prosecution asserts that over $1.7 million was collected in total, with at least $626,000 coming from U.S. donors who believed their money was for humanitarian purposes like food and winter supplies.

U.S. authorities claim Alzaak used the funds to support Hamas, instructing his partners to avoid mentioning the organization in their publications and transactions to prevent account blocks. Code words like "bread" and "bakeries" were allegedly used in communications. Following the October 7th attacks, Alzaak reportedly launched a new donation campaign claiming funds were for Gaza residents injured in the events, which operated until October 12th. Social media content attributed to Alzaak allegedly showed support for Hamas and celebrated the October 7th attack.

Alzaak, who remains in Gaza and has not been arrested, faces charges including conspiracy to provide material support to Hamas and money laundering. The Al-Adhami brothers are charged with conspiracy to provide material support to a terrorist organization, fraud, and money laundering. Yousef faces similar charges. U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that "anyone who finances or aids terrorist organizations responsible for the deaths of American citizens should expect to be prosecuted," vowing to continue pursuing terror financing networks.