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France Charges Five Linked to Charities Over Alleged Hamas Financing

Antiterror magistrates now lead a case defined by extensive seizures supported by international cooperation.

Overview

  • The national antiterrorist prosecutor’s office placed five people tied to Humani’Terre and Soutien Humani’Terre under formal investigation for financing a terrorist enterprise, organized abuse of trust and related money laundering, with all placed under judicial supervision.
  • Prosecutors say the associations are suspected of routing funds to Hamas under the cover of humanitarian aid.
  • Investigators seized nearly €40 million—about €35 million in bank accounts or bank cheques and more than €5 million in cash—and the asset recovery agency AGRASC seized two properties in Paris and La Courneuve.
  • The case grew from a preliminary inquiry opened on November 3, 2023, with initial searches on January 31, 2024, followed by new raids after five suspects were taken into custody on February 16.
  • International inputs from Italy, the United States and Israel informed recent actions, and Humani’Terre says it has suspended donation collection due to administrative and banking obstacles.