Israel is Accusing a World Vision staff member in Gaza of Giving Millions to Hamas
World Vision questioned Israel’s accusations that Gaza branch manager Mohammad El Halabi siphoned off tens of millions over the past decade, saying it still has not seen any evidence.
Israel says up to 50 million dollars has been diverted but World Vision officials say its cumulative operating budget in Gaza for the past ten years was only about $22 million.
Still, World Vision has suspended operations in Gaza and has launched a full review, including an externally conducted forensic audit in light of growing concerns outside of the charity. World Vision confirmed to Christianity Today that Australia and Germany have suspended donations to its work in Gaza.
World Vision worked with almost 40,000 children in Gaza last year, providing psychosocial help, medical supplies, food relief, and the re-establishment of agricultural livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Israel also accused a UN engineer of stealing aid meant for Palestinian civilians and giving it instead to Hamas. Wahid Abdallah al Bursh allegedly used UN resources to help build a maritime jetty for Hamas fighters and persuaded the UN to prioritize reconstruction in neighborhoods where Hamas militants live.
Israel said the investigation “proves yet again the way in which Hamas exploits aid resources of international groups which are meant for the civilian population.”