IDF raids West Bank charities linked to Hamas, PFLP, arresting five, seizing terror funds

Five terrorist collaborators were arrested in the West Bank operations, while evidence, including computers, documents, and checkbooks bearing markers associated with Hamas was seized. 

The IDF and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) conducted a joint raid operation on the offices of the Addameer Charity Association in Ramallah on Tuesday, as well as the Islamic Association for the Care of Orphans in Yatta, near Hebron, the military confirmed on Wednesday.

According to the military, the "illegal charities" acted as fronts for terrorist organizations, including Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).

Five terrorist collaborators were arrested in the West Bank operations, while evidence including computers, documents, and checkbooks bearing markers associated with Hamas was seized.

The Addameer Charity Association, according to the military, is funded by terror funds in order to provide legal assistance to PFLP terrorists held in detention.

Terrorists who participated in the Danny Spring bombing of 2019, which resulted in the death of 17-year-old Rina Shnerb, were working at the association at the time of the raid.

Hamas financial front raided in West Bank

In Yatta, wanted individuals were arrested during the raid on the Islamic Association for the Care of Orphans, and Hamas funds were seized before being transferred to security forces for further investigation.

The organization served as an organizational hub and financial arm of Hamas that transferred funds directly to the terrorist organization as well as to family members of Hamas terrorists. The military said that it "serves as infrastructure for entrenching the Hamas terrorist organization’s standing in Yatta, while exploiting its purportedly civilian activities."

According to the IDF statement, the director and other senior officials at the association have been imprisoned in the past.

Eyal Zamir strengthens forces in West Bank to maintain security

Meanwhile, IDF Chief of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir said the IDF must remain vigilant on all fronts and act swiftly to thwart threats, while deploying the 98th Division to the West Bank to "strengthen security and stability in the area."

In a situational assessment held in coordination with IDF Central Commander Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth and senior leadership within the Central Command, Zamir reviewed operational challenges during a tour of the West Bank region. According to the IDF, Zamir approved plans for continued operational activity in the area.

“In light of the increased number of alerts across all fronts and the sensitivity of this period, the potential for escalation has grown... The IDF is at a high level of readiness to launch extensive offensive operations against anyone who attempts to harm Israeli civilians," the military chief said.