EU monitors to stop Hamas money at Egypt-Gaza border
Source: Reuters
JERUSALEM, Dec 21 (Reuters) - European monitors responsible for policing the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt have reached an agreement with Israel and other parties to stop funds being brought in by the governing Islamist group Hamas. Diplomats estimate that Hamas, whose government is restricted by U.S. and EU sanctions, has managed to bring about $80 million through Rafah this year. Hamas says the funds are used to keep the government it heads functioning. Israel says they are being used to finance militants. This month, Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, a senior Hamas leader, tried to cross Rafah with $35 million in cash raised during a 2-1/2 week tour of the region, including Iran. He was forced to leave the funds in an Egyptian bank. A spokeswoman for the European Union Border Assistance Mission said the ban on Hamas ministers and officials bringing in funds was reached following a meeting on Wednesday among EU, Palestinian, Egyptian and Israeli officials. "If they are carrying money, it will be deposited in an Egyptian bank" and not be allowed through Rafah, the spokeswoman, Maria Telleria, told Reuters. The agreement is likely to please the United States, European Union and Israel, who regard Hamas as a terrorist organisation. They have tried to push its government towards collapse via sanctions and the severing of direct aid. Saeb Erekat, a senior aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak had made a commitment to Abbas to stop the money on the Egyptian side of the border. Seized money goes into an Egyptian bank account. While Hamas may be able to find others not directly affiliated with its movement to bring in cash on its behalf, the new regulations are likely to sharply curtail financing. For regular travellers entering Gaza through Rafah, sums over 80,000 shekels ($19,000) must be declared.
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