IDF and Shin Bet Dismantle Charity Fronts for Hamas and PFLP

Israeli forces, in a joint operation by the IDF and Shin Bet, recently conducted targeted raids in Ramallah and Yatta, uncovering and dismantling illegal charity organizations that served as fronts for the terrorist groups Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). Five individuals collaborating with these terror groups were arrested during the operations. Computers, documents, and checkbooks bearing insignia of designated Hamas funds were confiscated.

According to a joint statement from the IDF and Shin Bet spokespersons, the targeted organizations were declared illegal associations and functioned as organizational and financial arms of the terror groups, aiming to expose their collaboration and halt their activities. In Ramallah, security forces raided the offices of the charity 'Adameer,' arresting suspects and seizing materials linked to Hamas funds. Adameer is accused of funding terrorism and providing legal aid to PFLP terrorists imprisoned in Israel. Some Adameer employees were involved in the August 23, 2019 attack where Rina Shnerb was murdered.

In a separate operation in recent weeks, IDF forces, guided by the Shin Bet, raided the offices of the 'Islamic Society for the Care of Orphans' in Yatta, southern West Bank. Suspects were arrested and items linked to Hamas funds were confiscated. This organization, also declared illegal, allegedly served as an organizational and financial arm of Hamas, transferring funds and supporting the families of terrorists and prisoners. The society's director and other senior members are reportedly Hamas terrorists who have previously been imprisoned. The organization is accused of exploiting its apparent civilian activities to solidify Hamas's standing in Yatta.

Separately, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) informed international officials that private sector traders have suspended the coordination of goods entering Gaza until further notice. This decision stems from Hamas's extortionate taxation mechanism and increased threats against traders who refuse to comply. Reports indicate Hamas security forces arrested the son of a trader who refused to pay the organization's demanded taxes, prompting the traders' suspension of coordination. Traders report Hamas demands approximately 10,000 shekels per truck entering Gaza. COGAT emphasized that the private sector accounts for about 50% of weekly truck entries, and its cessation impacts Israel's ability to meet the ceasefire agreement's target of 600 trucks daily. Security forces affirmed their commitment to proactive counter-terrorism operations in the West Bank and prosecuting terrorists targeting Israeli civilians and security forces.