The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced on Mar. 12 that it has designated four charities accused of directly funding Hamas’s military wing and supporting its terrorist operations. The action targets organizations that, according to the Treasury, disguise their activities as humanitarian work while channeling resources to sustain Hamas’s militant efforts.
The move is part of ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to disrupt financial networks that support terrorism. Officials say these sham charities enable Hamas to continue its operations by exploiting donors’ sympathies and misusing the charitable sector.
“Hamas continues to finance its military wing by exploiting sham charities to support terrorist operations,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “The Treasury Department will not allow Hamas to misuse the charitable sector for its violent aims, and we will continue to target these networks wherever they operate.”
The designated entities include three Türkiye-based nonprofits—Ghazi Destek Dernegi (GDD), Hayat Yolu, and Palestinian White Hands Assistance and Solidarity Association—as well as Indonesia-based Komite Nasional Untuk Rakyat Palestina (KNRP). According to internal documents cited in the announcement, these organizations have provided material support or coordinated with Hamas in ways that benefit its fighters or infrastructure projects. Hayat Yolu was also identified as a financial hub for the Muslim Brotherhood.
Under Executive Order 13224, all property and interests in property belonging to these groups within U.S. jurisdiction are now blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions involving them unless authorized by OFAC. The sanctions extend to entities owned at least 50 percent by one or more blocked persons. Violations may result in civil or criminal penalties under OFAC regulations.
Foreign financial institutions involved with designated persons may face secondary sanctions, including restrictions on correspondent accounts in the United States. OFAC emphasized that individuals who provide information about sanctions violations could be eligible for awards if their tips lead to enforcement actions resulting in significant monetary penalties.
OFAC stated that while designating individuals and entities is a key tool, removal from sanction lists is possible if warranted under law, with procedures available for those seeking delisting.
