US targets France-based charities and individuals in Hamas fundraising case

The U.S. Treasury Department took action on October 2, designating two France-based charities and three individuals for their alleged involvement in a Hamas fundraising network. The network reportedly collected over $2 million and made separate cryptocurrency transfers to a Hamas military official in Gaza. The exact amount moved in digital assets was not specified.

The designated entities include the charities Association Baraka and Ensemble C Mieux, along with Faouzi Barika, Amel Oualid, and Saleem Abdallah Saleem al-Zaq. Barika and Oualid operated the charities from France, while al-Zaq was identified as a deputy battalion commander in Hamas’ military wing.

The U.S. alleges that Barika, Oualid, and al-Zaq raised over $2 million for Hamas between 2020 and 2026, with $1.5 million collected after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The sanctions also allege that Barika and Oualid sent al-Zaq hundreds of thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency.

The sanctions block the designated parties’ property in the United States or under U.S. control, preventing transactions unless authorized. These restrictions also apply to entities owned 50% or more by the blocked individuals.