American nonprofit sued for allegedly funding Hamas terrorist activities
An American nonprofit organization that has raised millions of dollars for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is facing a lawsuit from 10 survivors and family members of victims of a terrorist attack in southern Israel. The lawsuit alleges that the U.S.-based group knowingly provided material support for Hamas and terrorist activities for years.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, accuses the UNRWA USA National Committee of supporting Hamas and providing financial aid for their activities. The plaintiffs claim that UNRWA USA and UNRWA are “inextricably linked” in supporting Hamas.
The terrorist attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis, with thousands more injured and taken hostage. The lawsuit alleges that Hamas carried out the attacks with the support of UNRWA and UNRWA USA.
The plaintiffs argue that UNRWA USA continued to send money to UNRWA even after reports emerged of UNRWA staff participating in the massacre. The lawsuit accuses UNRWA USA of knowingly providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
The lawsuit also highlights the close ties between UNRWA USA and UNRWA, including overlapping staff and shared missions. The plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages and hope that the Department of Justice will open a criminal investigation into UNRWA USA.
The growing bipartisan opposition to UNRWA has prompted the White House to explore alternative ways to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza should Congress permanently halt funding to the agency. The U.S. is UNRWA’s largest donor, contributing between $300 million to $400 million annually.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit have been through traumatic experiences, with some losing loved ones in the terrorist attack. They are seeking justice and accountability for the alleged support of terrorist activities by UNRWA USA.
The lawsuit sheds light on the complex and controversial issue of funding for humanitarian organizations in conflict zones, and the potential consequences of providing support to groups with ties to terrorism.
