French Minister Calls for EU Investigation into Humanitarian Funding Allegations Linked to Hamas

French Minister for European Affairs, Benjamin Haddad, has called on the European Commission to initiate an urgent investigation into allegations suggesting that European funds intended for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Palestinian territories may have been misappropriated to support Hamas.

This request was made in an official letter dated Tuesday, which Haddad sent to the EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, and relevant European commissioners, a copy of which was obtained by France Presse.

In the letter, Haddad stated, "I have recently been alerted to suspicions that Hamas has imposed restrictions on NGOs and international organizations operating in Palestinian territories since 2020."

The minister expressed deep concern regarding this information, emphasizing that it raises significant questions about the integrity of European funding and the protection of European taxpayers, who should be assured that their contributions are used solely for humanitarian purposes.

He highlighted that the European Union supports several humanitarian organizations active in the region, including "Handicap International," "Norwegian Refugee Council," and "Doctors Without Borders," making the investigation into the allocation of these funds an urgent matter.

Haddad revealed in his letter that France, in collaboration with Austria and the Netherlands, had previously submitted proposals at the European level aimed at ensuring that recipients of EU funding uphold European values.

The minister stressed France's position by stating: "France finds it unacceptable to provide European funding to organizations operating for humanitarian purposes if their structures are likely influenced by Hamas networks."

He added: "These international organizations should not be in a position where they are compelled to accept support from a structure deemed terrorist at the European level to operate and provide their humanitarian services," urging for a thorough investigation into these allegations.

The letter requested concrete measures beyond the investigation, including strengthening transparency and implementing stricter mechanisms to monitor financial flows. France also specifically called for the establishment of "a more robust funding suspension mechanism" that could be activated in case of detected deviations.

Haddad concluded his warning by stating: "In light of these ongoing violations of European rights and values by external actors, the Union and its agencies, as well as member states, must double their vigilance."

This request comes as part of France's ongoing monitoring of the issue, as Minister Haddad had previously urged Brussels in May to enhance oversight of European funding to ensure it does not reach entities "linked to antisemitism or extremists."

The European Commission has yet to issue an official response to the new letter, as observers await concrete steps to initiate the requested investigation.