Israel’s Shin Bet security service today announced that it has arrested an employee of the Christian international relief group World Vision, for transferring tens of millions of dollars to the Hamas terror group since 2010.
The suspect, Mohammad Halabi, was detained some six weeks ago at the Erez Crossing into the Gaza Strip and indicted today.
According to the security agency, Halabi – aged 38 and a resident of Gaza – was recruited by the terror group in 2004 and tasked with infiltrating the World Vision organisation. Halabi was appointed to an administrative position by the aid relief group, and transferred US and European donations earmarked for humanitarian relief to the terror group.
The funds were used to pay the salaries of Hamas employees, including bonuses for those who fought Israel in the 2014 Gaza war. The Shin Bet agency says these funds — estimated at 60% of the money designated for Gaza — were also used to build attack tunnels.
On 28th June, World Vision posted the following statement on its website: “World Vision stands by Mohammad who is a widely respected and well regarded humanitarian, field manager and trusted colleague of over a decade. He has displayed compassionate leadership on behalf of the children and communities of Gaza through difficult and challenging times, and has always worked diligently and professionally in fulfilling his duties”.
