Report: Gaza Aid Campaigns in Europe Funneled Millions Through Groups Linked to Hamas

A new Israeli government report says more than $9.5 million raised through Gaza aid campaigns in Europe was routed through organizations with direct or indirect ties to Hamas and other terrorist groups.

The study, published by Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, examined fundraising activity since the October 7, 2023 massacre. It found that dozens of groups operating in the United Kingdom, France, Spain and the Netherlands collected money under the banner of humanitarian aid and charity.

Millions Raised Through Public Campaigns

According to the ministry, about 45 organizations used crowdfunding platforms, organizational websites, bank transfers, payment apps and cryptocurrency donations to raise funds for Gaza-linked entities.

Researchers said 23 of the campaigns reviewed had direct or indirect connections to Hamas or other terrorist organizations.

“This is a security risk that cannot be ignored. European countries, wake up!” Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli said.

Chikli warned that money collected under a humanitarian label can still reach Hamas-linked elements, and called on crowdfunding platforms and European governments to act with stronger oversight.

Transparency Gaps

The report said several campaigns raised major sums, including seven campaigns that allegedly brought in more than $1 million each. Four others raised between $500,000 and $1 million.

The ministry said there was often no clear way for donors to know where the money ultimately went once it entered Gaza.

“The findings indicate a severe gap in transparency,” the report stated.

The report noted that while donors can see the public campaign and payment options, they often cannot see the intermediaries, transfer routes or final recipients inside the Gaza Strip.

Platforms and Countries Named

The study pointed to fundraising through platforms including JustGiving, HelloAsso, Big Give, GoFundMe and GlobalGiving, along with direct donations through websites, PayPal, bank transfers and cryptocurrency.

The United Kingdom accounted for the largest identified fundraising volume, with more than £11 million raised through crowdfunding platforms alone. French campaigns reportedly raised about €1.4 million, while campaigns in Spain and the Netherlands raised hundreds of thousands of euros each.

Direct and Indirect Terror Links

The ministry said direct links included organizations previously designated as terrorist entities, personnel identified with Hamas, or activity allegedly supporting terrorism. Indirect links included cooperation with Hamas-linked groups, financial transfers to affiliated entities, or public support for terrorism.

The report cited the U.K.-based Alkhair Foundation and alleged connections involving figures tied to Hamas. It also referenced the case of a Doctors Without Borders employee in Gaza who was later identified by Palestinian Islamic Jihad as part of its military manufacturing unit after he was killed in an Israeli strike.

Officials Call for Action

Avi Cohen-Scali, director-general of the ministry, said the visible fundraising activity is likely only part of a much larger problem.

“This phenomenon is much broader than it appears,” Cohen-Scali said.

The ministry said Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad cannot legally raise money openly in the European Union or the United Kingdom because they are designated terrorist organizations. The report warned that humanitarian and charitable frameworks may be used to route funds around those restrictions.

The study only examined publicly visible fundraising campaigns and did not review private donations or hidden funding channels. Researchers said the real total could be far higher.