Israeli think tank: Hamas exerted influence over humanitarian work in Gaza

Hamas has reportedly exerted control over the activities of international humanitarian organisations in the Gaza Strip for several years, according to a report by Israeli think tank NGO-Monitor, obtained by BILD.

The report claims that the group’s influence extended even to projects funded by Germany. It alleges that Hamas appointed so-called “guarantors” — approved managers within international organisations — tasked with monitoring operations, gathering information, and embedding themselves within the organisations’ activities.

Among the organisations cited were Médecins Sans Frontières, Save the Children, Handicap International, and the Norwegian Refugee Council.

The report also highlights an Oxfam project financed by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. NGO-Monitor claims that Hamas allowed the project to proceed only after coordinating with structures under its control, including staff vetting.

A ministry spokesperson told BILD that it was aware of the allegations and took them “very seriously,” but added that checks conducted so far had found no evidence of wrongdoing.

By Aghakazim Guliyev