Aid official arrested for transferring millions to Hamas

The Shin Bet security agency says it has arrested an employee of Christian relief group World Vision for funneling tens of millions of dollars to the Hamas terror group since 2010.

Mohammad Halabi, indicted today, was detained some six weeks ago at the Erez Crossing into the Gaza Strip.

According to the agency, Halabi, 38, a resident of Gaza, was recruited by the terror group in 2004 and tasked with infiltrating the World Vision organization. Halabi was appointed to an administrative position by the aid relief group, and transferred US and European donations earmarked for humanitarian relief to the terror group.

The funds were used to pay the salaries of Hamas employees, including bonuses for those who fought Israel in the 2014 Gaza war. The Shin Bet agency says these funds — estimated at 60% of the money designated for Gaza — were also used to build attack tunnels.

On June 28, World Vision posted the following statement on its website: “World Vision stands by Mohammad who is a widely respected and well regarded humanitarian, field manager and trusted colleague of over a decade. He has displayed compassionate leadership on behalf of the children and communities of Gaza through difficult and challenging times, and has always worked diligently and professionally in fulfilling his duties.”