U.S. sanctions two French nationals over alleged Hamas fundraising network

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The United States has imposed financial sanctions on two French nationals and the charitable organizations they founded, accusing them of operating a fundraising network that allegedly channelled money to Hamas under the guise of humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza.

The U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) identified the individuals as Faouzi Barika, associated with the Baraka organization, and Amel Oualid, founder of Ensemble C Mieux. According to the U.S. authorities, the two were involved in a fundraising operation that generated more than $2 million for Hamas between 2020 and 2026.

Washington alleges funds were diverted to Hamas

OFAC said the organizations presented their activities as humanitarian initiatives intended to support civilians in Gaza. U.S. authorities, however, allege that the money was ultimately transferred to Hamas through Saleem al-Zaq, whom Washington describes as a member of the group's armed wing and who was also targeted by the sanctions.

The Treasury Department said the fundraising accelerated following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, with approximately $1.5 million allegedly raised after the attack.

According to the U.S. account, Barika and Oualid also transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency to al-Zaq. OFAC further alleges that he promoted fundraising accounts linked to the two French nationals through his social-media channels.

French intelligence arrests reported

In a separate announcement, the U.S. Department of Justice said that Barika, Oualid and another French national named Barika had been arrested by France's domestic intelligence service, the Directorate-General for Internal Security (DGSI).

The U.S. Justice Department did not provide the dates of the arrests or details regarding possible judicial proceedings in France.

The sanctions announcement does not itself establish a criminal conviction. The allegations described by U.S. authorities concern the alleged movement of funds and their links to Hamas.

Organizations established in France

OFAC's records state that Faouzi Barika, 35, is based in Gironde, where the Baraka association was established in 2023. The organization describes itself online as a humanitarian association working to assist civilians in Gaza.

Amel Oualid, 39, founded Ensemble C Mieux in Loire in 2024. U.S. authorities say both organizations operated fundraising campaigns presented as humanitarian efforts.

The case highlights the growing scrutiny surrounding international fundraising for Gaza, particularly where authorities suspect that charitable or humanitarian channels may be used to finance organizations designated for sanctions.

Financial consequences of the U.S. measures

The sanctions have immediate financial implications for the designated individuals and organizations. Any assets they may hold under U.S. jurisdiction are subject to blocking measures.

The restrictions also generally prohibit U.S. persons and companies from conducting transactions with the sanctioned parties. Financial institutions and other businesses with exposure to the U.S. financial system may therefore be required to sever dealings with the designated entities to avoid violating American sanctions rules.

The measures form part of Washington's broader efforts to disrupt financial networks that it says provide resources to Hamas, while the underlying allegations against the French nationals remain a matter for the relevant judicial authorities.