Shocking Report: 1/4 of Hamas Funds Come From UK, Including Government-Linked Aid

Over 25% of Hamas’ funding comes from the United Kingdom, and it is called the terror grou’s “Financial capital of the West” by members of the the Israeli security establishment, Channel 12 reported Sunday in a startling revelation. This includes both public donations via charities and, in some cases, indirect government-linked contributions.

The UK, like most western powers, considers Hamas a terror group.

While Britain has been known for its pro-Palestinian demonstrations, recent investigations reveal that Hamas operates with considerable freedom within the UK. Senior Hamas figures, some holding British citizenship, manage substantial funds through charitable organizations, directing resources to the group’s military wing.

Oz Noy, former head of the Shin Bet’s Israel and Overseas Division, told Channel 12: “Hamas is strong in Britain because over the years they have become accustomed to the fact that there they can do almost anything they want, certainly in relation to other European countries.” Udi Levy, former head of the Mossad’s Counter-Terrorism Finance Division, added: “Britain is becoming the main country that transfers funds to Hamas – including after October 7.”

Security assessments indicate that the UK is among the top three countries globally in terms of donations to Hamas, alongside Muslim-majority nations.

British-based Hamas terrorists manage funds through charitable organizations that allegedly channel money to Hamas. Former Israeli intelligence officials say, according to the report, that the UK has become a haven for Hamas activity due to lax enforcement and legal protections.

Key UK-based figures include, according to Channel 12:

• Majed al-Zeer: British citizen, former head of the Palestinian Return Centre, wanted by Israel and the U.S.
• Zaher Birawi: Former flotilla organizer, active in pro-Hamas demonstrations in London.
• Issam Youssef Mustafa: Former Hamas official and head of Interpal, a U.S.-designated terror entity still operating in the UK.
• Mohammed Sawalha: Former Hamas military organizer with links to British politicians.

Though some Hamas-linked coalitions have been banned, many UK-based groups continue fundraising. British aid funds, channeled through UNICEF, have reportedly reached Hamas-controlled entities like Gaza’s Ministry of Social Development, headed by senior Hamas figure Razi Hamed.

Despite October 7, the UK’s aid policy hasn’t changed. In 2024, UNICEF noted increased support from the UK, even as Hamas-led ministries distribute the aid.

Officials cite political pressure from the UK’s large Muslim population as a reason for limited action. In April, Hamas formally requested removal from the UK terror list, while its supporters continue to lead major protests in British cities.

Noy explained that Hamas has developed sophisticated financial institutions within the UK, facilitating fund transfers and money laundering. Levy elaborated that these financial entities often masquerade as humanitarian organizations, channeling funds to Hamas activities in Gaza, the West Bank, and beyond.

The UK’s leniency towards certain organizations has allowed Hamas to establish a strong presence. Noy pointed out that Britain’s approach over the years has been less proactive in dismantling these networks. Levy emphasized that Britain was among the few countries that did not shut down certain associations, complicating efforts for security agencies.

For decades, the Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliate, Hamas, have operated in the UK through mosques, funding foundations, and charitable associations. In 2001, Islamist organizations established the Charity Coalition, led by Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, who endorsed suicide attacks against Israelis. This coalition unified approximately 50 Islamic funds to raise money for Hamas’s efforts during the Second Intifada.

The campaign was highly successful, with hundreds of millions of dollars flowing to Hamas over a decade. Even after the coalition was outlawed, key UK-based funds continued their activities, expanding their reach.

Beyond charitable organizations, a document revealed that the British government has transferred tens of millions of pounds to Gaza, some of which reached Hamas-controlled entities. Anne Herzberg, legal advisor for NGO Monitor, explained that the UK government provides millions to the UN, particularly UNICEF, which collaborates with Gaza’s Ministry of Social Development—controlled by Hamas.

A British Foreign Office document from November 2022 titled “The UK Humanitarian Support Plan for the Occupied Palestinian Territories” outlines the distribution of aid in Yehudah and Shomron and Gaza through UNICEF. The plan acknowledges the risk that British aid could be linked to Hamas support, potentially harming the UK’s reputation if discovered.

The head of Gaza’s Ministry of Social Development, responsible for distributing the aid, is senior Hamas official Razi Hamed. He has previously served as an advisor to Hamas’s military wing and held positions such as deputy foreign minister and spokesperson. Hamed has publicly stated that Hamas would repeat the October 7 attacks.

Despite the October 7 massacre, the UK did not alter its support. In March 2024, UNICEF reported that its partnership with Gaza’s Ministry of Social Development had strengthened post-October 7, with the UK’s Foreign Office providing generous support for humanitarian cash transfer programs in Gaza. Herzberg emphasized that the UK government is aware of the ministry’s control by Hamas but chose to proceed with the program.

In April, Hamas officially requested the British Parliament to remove its political wing from the list of terrorist organizations. The UK government has yet to respond, even as senior Hamas figures lead large-scale protests in London, such as the recent ‘Nakba Day’ demonstrations.