The US Treasury Department announced, on Tuesday, October 7, the imposition of sanctions against Yemeni businessman Sheikh Hamid al-Ahmar, nine of his companies, and three Arab businessmen, for financing the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas. 

According to a US Treasury statement, seen by “Bran Press,” the department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control added 3 individuals and a charitable foundation who are prominent international financial supporters of Hamas, in addition to one financial institution controlled by Hamas in Gaza. 

The three people mentioned in the statement are the Palestinian Majid Al-Zeer, the Austrian Adel Saad al-Din Hassan Dogman, and the Jordanian Muhammad Mahmoud Awad Hanoun. A group of financial entities affiliated with the group are also included on the sanctions list.

The statement added: “Office also designated Yemeni businessman Sheikh Hamid al-Ahmar, a long-time Hamas supporter, and nine of his companies. These actors play critical roles in raising foreign donations for Hamas, often under the guise of charitable work.” . 

According to the statement, Sheikh Hamid Abdullah Hussein Al-Ahmar (Al-Ahmar), a Yemeni citizen living in Turkey, is one of the most prominent international supporters of the Hamas movement, and a key member of Hamas’ investment portfolio, which was previously secret. 

The statement accused the portfolio of managing, at its peak, more than $500 million worth of assets, noting that since at least 2013, Al-Ahmar had also been head of the Hamas-affiliated Al-Quds International Charitable Foundation, based in Lebanon. 

The US Treasury said that it was designated Red under Executive Order 13224, as amended, for providing material assistance, sponsorship, or providing financial, material, or technological support to, or goods or services for or in support of, Hamas.

It added: “OFAC also designates the following nine entities pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended, to be owned, controlled, or directed by Red, directly or indirectly.” 

The 9 companies that the US Treasury statement spoke about, and said were owned or managed by the Yemeni businessman, Hamid Al-Ahmar, are:

▪️Al-Ahmar Commercial Group, headquartered in Yemen.

▪️Al-Ahmar Company for Supplying and Distributing Oils, based in Yemen.

▪️Sama International Media is based in Yemen.

▪️Al-Salam Commercial and Public Agencies Foundation, headquartered in Yemen. 

▪️Spa, a trade and investment SRO, based in the Czech Republic.

▪️Sabavon International SAL (overseas), headquartered in Lebanon.

▪️Spatürk des Ticaret Anonim Cirketio, based in Türkiye.

▪️Energy Yatrimlari Anonim Sirketi Energetic, based in Türkiye.

▪️Invested Portfoy Unity Anonymous Circuit, headquartered in Türkiye.