World Vision Doubts Hamas Pocketed Millions, says Gaza aid is audited
(Worthy News) – A global charity cast doubt Thursday on Israel’s indictment of one of its Palestinian aid workers for diverting million of dollars to fund the Hamas war machine in the Gaza Strip and insisted it conducts regular audits and evaluations to ensure financial aid in coastal enclave reaches those who need it most.
Muhammad Halabi, a Hamas member and manager of operations for World Vision in Gaza, was indicted in a Beersheba court earlier Thursday on a number of security-related charges, for his alleged role in the scheme. He was arrested on June 15 in a joint operation between the Shin Bet, IDF and Israel Police at the Erez Crossing from Israel into Gaza as he tried to return to the Strip.
“Based on the information available to us at this time, we have no reason to believe that the allegations are true,” said World Vision International in a statement on the indictment.
“Programs in Gaza have been subject to regular internal and independent audits, independent evaluations, and a broad range of internal controls aimed at ensuring that assets reach their intended beneficiaries and are used in compliance with applicable laws and donor requirements,” the charity said. [ Source ]
World Vision Infiltrated by Hamas
The World Vision group, a multi-billion dollar Christian charity with more than 45,000 employees, unknowingly funded the Hamas terror group in Gaza for roughly a decade after a member of Hamas, Muhammad Halabi, infiltrated World Vision in 2005.
According to the Shin Bet’s report Thursday, Halabi funneled millions of dollars intended for humanitarian use towards the terrorist group.
By 2010, Halabi had reached a senior position within World Vision, leading its Gaza branch, enabling him to divert more than $7 million annually from civilian needs to Hamas coffers.
In a joint operation of the Shin Bet, the IDF, and Israeli police, Halabi was apprehended for his work with the terror organization.
During interrogation, Halabi admitted he had worked within World Vision on behalf of Hamas’ military wing, and that he channeled funds and other resources towards the terror group. [ Source ]