​​Following the arrest and subsequent discovery that Mohammed El-Halabi, director of the Gaza branch of World Vision, is actually a major figure in the Hamas terrorist organization, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General Dore Gold sent a letter to his counterparts in foreign ministries around the world, detailing EL-Halibi’s diversion of funds destined for charity to the Hamas terrorist organization. 

In his letter, Dir-Gen Gold stated:

World Vision is an international NGO, one of the largest charitable and humanitarian aid organizations in the world, operating in more than 100 countries. It receives support primarily from the UN and from Western governments. 

Israel has discovered that Mohammed El-Halabi, currently employed as director of the Gaza branch of World Vision, is actually a major figure in the Hamas terrorist organization. He was arrested at the Erez crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip on 15 June 2016. 

During the investigation into his activities, El-Halibi revealed that he diverted approximately $7.2 million per year to the military wing of Hamas that were intended mainly to strengthen its terrorist arm. As such, these funds were utilized to finance the digging of terror tunnels, the construction of military bases and the purchase of weapons. This amounted to 60% of World Vision's annual budget for the Gaza Strip. The total funds that El-Halibi managed to transfer over the decade of his work at World Vision reach tens of millions of dollars. 

The investigation revealed much information concerning additional figures in the Gaza Strip who exploited their work in humanitarian aid organizations and UN institutions, on behalf of Hamas. 

It should be stressed that Hamas is closely linked to the security apparatus of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which is seeking to spread its military influence through its Middle Eastern surrogates from Syria to Yemen. 

Moreover, Hamas works closely with the governate of ISIS in Northern Sinai. Thus, the growing capabilities of Hamas that this aid channel promoted served the strategic interests of the most destabilizing forces operating today in the Middle East. 

As you well know, Israel is fully committed to the economic reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and is actively working with the international community to this effect while protecting its vital security interests. 

In view of this dangerous development, I call upon you to help Israel in preventing the terrorist organization Hamas from undermining the security, stability and wellbeing of Israelis and Palestinians alike. 

Dore Gold
Director General