EU monitors to stop Hamas money at Egypt-Gaza border (Reuters)

[Eugene]

EU monitors to stop Hamas money at Egypt-Gaza border
21 Dec 2006 14:57:09 GMT
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.

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