The 'Terrorism Financing Network' Under Scrutiny by the US and UK; Three Entities and Two Individuals Identified as 'Fundraisers for Hamas'

On Wednesday, April 8, the spokesperson for the US Department of State announced three entities and two individuals as 'fundraisers for Hamas.' The statement noted that 'the United States continues to dismantle terrorism financing networks through various means, including targeting those who collect funds for Hamas.' In a joint action with the UK, the US identified three entities: 'Gaza Now News Network,' 'Al-Quraishi Managers,' and 'Akharieh Limited Company,' along with two individuals named Mustafa Ayash and Azoumeh Saltaneh as financial facilitators for Hamas. According to the statement, the targeted individuals and entities are key financial facilitators working to collect funds for Hamas. The statement also mentioned that the US and the UK 'will continue to identify and disrupt these illegal networks through close coordination with their allies and partners.' Since the attack by Hamas militants on Israel, the Islamic Republic has been recognized as one of the financial and military suppliers of that group. The Iranian ambassador and representative to the UN stated in mid-February of last year in an interview with NBC that the Iranian government has a 'defensive pact' with Palestinian groups and strengthens these groups by sending weapons and training but does not play a role in their actions. Amir Saeed Iravani, in response to a question about the Islamic Republic's support for other proxy militants in the region, told the NBC host: 'We do not direct them or command them, but we do not withhold training and empowering these groups and have joint consultations.' The US State Department spokesperson stated: 'The US does not envision any role for Hamas in the future.' The US Secretary of Defense told his Israeli counterpart that protecting Palestinian civilians is 'moral and necessary.' An Israeli army spokesperson stated that the Islamic Republic is operating on four separate fronts against Israel. The Houthis confirmed a meeting with Hamas and other Palestinian groups in Beirut. Israel accused the UN of attempting to 'silence' reports of Hamas's sexual assaults. The Israeli ambassador to the UN stated that Hamas's attacks are Israel's September 11. A narrative from an Israeli woman about her captivity under Hamas; from beatings and shackles to sexual assault at gunpoint. The attack by Hamas militants on Israeli territory; Israel: 'The terrorist organization Hamas will pay a very heavy price.' Exclusive: Ehud Olmert, former Prime Minister of Israel: 'The Ayatollah will pay the price for supporting Hamas.' An exclusive report from the Wall Street Journal: The surprise attack by Hamas was carried out with the green light of the Islamic Republic.