Washington DC. (Quds News Network)- Several humanitarian organizations in Europe and the United States that are working to address the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza have had their bank accounts closed without explanation, reported the Wall Street Journal.
This trend, which has intensified since October 7th, is causing significant disruptions for these groups, impeding their ability to deliver much-needed aid.
Organizations like American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera), based in Washington, DC., and Nonviolence International, founded by Palestinian-Americans, are among those affected. These groups have reported that banks have closed their accounts and frozen transactions, citing increased scrutiny over financial dealings with Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Despite these organizations adhering to US and international sanctions regulations, they are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain banking services. The scrutiny has only increased since the start of the genocide, making it challenging for these organizations to function effectively. Aid groups have been delivering essential supplies, including food, medicine, and clothing, to support the people of Gaza, but banking restrictions are hampering these efforts.
Sean Carroll, President and CEO of Anera, highlighted the issue, stating that their organization rigorously screens all its staff, vendors, and partners to comply with US government sanctions and regulations. Despite this, Anera’s bank account with Truist was closed, reportedly due to concerns over past associations with entities now under sanction, even though such associations predated sanctions or were made when the entities were not on any prohibited lists.
Agnese Valenti from the European Legal Support Center noted that such actions have increased in frequency, with around 30 incidents reported from October 7 to late May, where organizations with ties to Palestine had their accounts closed. These closures not only disrupt the flow of aid but also pose existential threats to the continued operations of these humanitarian groups.
Source: qudsnen
