French Minister Calls for EU Investigation into Potential Misallocation of Humanitarian Funds to Hamas
French Minister for Europe, Benjamin Haddad, has called on the European Commission to launch an urgent investigation into allegations that EU funds designated for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the Palestinian territories might have been redirected to Hamas.
This request was made in an official letter dated Tuesday, addressed to EU Foreign Affairs Chief Ursula von der Leyen and relevant EU commissioners, a copy of which was obtained by the AFP news agency.
In the letter, Haddad stated, "I have recently been made aware of concerns that Hamas has imposed restrictions on NGOs and international organizations operating in the Palestinian territories since 2020."
The minister expressed significant concern over these allegations, noting that they raise "serious questions regarding the integrity of European funding and the protection of European taxpayers, who must ensure that their contributions are used solely for humanitarian purposes."
He highlighted that the EU provides support to various humanitarian organizations in the region, including "Handicap International," "Norwegian Refugee Council," and "Doctors Without Borders," making the investigation into the fate of these funds an "urgent matter."
Haddad revealed in his letter that France, in collaboration with Austria and the Netherlands, had previously proposed measures at the European level to ensure that European values are respected by recipients of EU funds.
The minister emphasized France's stance, stating, "France believes it is unacceptable to allocate European funds to organizations engaged in humanitarian work that may be influenced by Hamas networks."
He added, "These international organizations should not be in a position where they are forced to accept support from a structure deemed terrorist at the European level in order to operate and provide their humanitarian services," calling for a "thorough investigation into these allegations."
The letter also called for concrete actions beyond the investigation, including promoting transparency and establishing stricter mechanisms for monitoring financial flows. France specifically urged the creation of a "robust suspension mechanism for funding" that can be activated if discrepancies are found.
Haddad concluded his warning by stating, "In light of these ongoing violations of European rights and values by external actors, the EU and its agencies, as well as member states, must double their vigilance."
This request comes amid France's ongoing scrutiny of the issue, as Minister Haddad had previously urged Brussels in May of last year to strengthen oversight of European funds to ensure they do not reach "actors associated with anti-Semitism or extremists."
The European Commission has not yet officially responded to the new letter, while observers await practical steps to initiate the requested investigation.
