PA CLOSES MORE HAMAS-LINKED CHARITIES

S E C R E T JERUSALEM 001533 SIPDIS NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE AND IPA, NSC FOR ABRAMS/PASCUAL/SINGH E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/20/2018 TAGS: KWBG PTER PGOV IS SUBJECT: PA CLOSES MORE HAMAS-LINKED CHARITIES Classified By: Consul General Jake Walles, for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (S) Summary. PA security contacts report that they closed 10 Hamas-connected NGOs August 14-18, detained 12 Palestinians for NGO activity linked to Hamas, and will impose management and governing board changes before the NGOs are allowed to operate again. Some of the closed NGOs appear to be on GOI lists, but most are PA-selected targets. The raids have provoked criticism from Palestinians, including some staunch opponents of Hamas. End summary. PA Raids West Bank NGOs, Changes Management and Board -------------- ¶2. (S) According to General Intelligence and Preventive Security Organization (PSO) contacts, PA security forces (PASF) closed 10 Hamas-linked NGOs August 14-18 and are imposing MOI-ordered changes in the NGOs' management and governing boards before the NGOs are allowed to resume operations. These contacts report detaining 12 Palestinians suspected of Hamas activity in connection with the closures. Some of the closed NGOs appear to be on GOI-supplied lists, but many are not. According to Presidential Military Secretary Jihad al-Jayusi, the raids and closures are driven by PA intelligence, and the GOI lists have not always been accurate. ¶3. (SBU) In public comments, Hamas spokesmen report that PA security raided a Hamas-sponsored boarding school and orphanage in Hebron August 17, arrested the head of the school's board (Abd al-Jayl Amayrih),and took control of the compound pending PA appointment of a new board and manager. Local press report that the MOI also ordered a new board to take charge of Hamas-linked al-Ahli Hospital in Hebron. ¶4. (SBU) Hamas spokesmen report that PASF raided and closed al-Nur Mosque and Women's Study Center in Nablus, and al-Amal Community Center/Library and al-Ahrar Prisoners Advocacy Center in Tulkarm on August 17. Hamas spokesmen said PASF arrested al-Ahrar director Fuad al-Khufush. ¶5. (SBU) Hamas spokesmen also reported August 17 that PASF raided a Hamas-sponsored mother-and-child care NGO and relief charity in Tulkarm August 16, confiscating the NGOs' office equipment and supplies. They added that PASF also raided a student quarters in Khaduri College and a medical relief society in Tulkarm on August 15. Abu Libdeh: Closures Generate Hamas Sympathy -------------- ¶6. (C) In addition to complaints from Hamas, the raids have provoked criticism from other Palestinians. Former PA Cabinet Secretary Hasan Abu Libdah--a staunch opponent of Hamas--told EconOff August 18 that the raids are "wrong and illegal." He added that closing charitable NGOs for Hamas ties will garner more sympathy and support for Hamas unless the PA provides an alternative for the NGOs' services. WALLES