The Trump administration on Friday imposed sanctions against three individuals and two charities on allegations of financing Hamas operations, while simultaneously announcing six arrests related to the activities. Treasury department officials characterized the action as addressing “a sophisticated, multi-year financing architecture” that allegedly channeled more than $2 million to the militant organization.
The sanctioned individuals include Saleem Alzaq, who authorities describe as connected to Hamas’ military wing and based in Gaza, as well as Faouzi Barika and Amel Oualid, both residing in France. The two targeted charities, Association Baraka and Ensemble C Mieux, are alleged to have been operated by Barika and Oualid purportedly to collect funds for humanitarian aid to Gaza civilians. According to the treasury department, the network collected more than $2 million over a six-year period beginning in 2020, with $1.5 million of that amount raised following the 7 October 2023 attack on Israel.
The Justice Department unsealed an indictment charging Alzaq and announced arrests of three men in the United States and three others in France on allegations related to fundraising for Hamas. The two U.S. residents arrested in Louisiana were identified as Omar Adhami and Abdel Adhami of Covington, while a third arrest involved Raed Yousef of Lutz, Florida. According to prosecutors, these individuals allegedly funneled tens of thousands of dollars to support Hamas activities and face potential sentences of up to 80 years if convicted on charges including conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the department would continue efforts to identify and impose consequences on those providing financial support to Hamas. FBI Director Kash Patel similarly indicated the agency’s commitment to cutting off funding channels to the organization.
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