A former aid worker from Gaza, Mohammad El-Halabi, was among nearly 200 Palestinian prisoners released on Saturday. El-Halabi, who previously served as the director of the Gaza branch of World Vision, a US-based humanitarian organization, had been charged in 2016 by an Israeli district court for allegedly diverting funds from humanitarian projects to Hamas’ military wing.
Upon his release, El-Halabi revealed that he had lost a significant amount of weight during his detention, citing poor quality and inadequate food provided in prison. He described the conditions as dire, with many prisoners suffering from malnutrition and fainting daily.
The Shin Bet, Israel’s security agency, had accused El-Halabi of funneling around $7.2 million annually to Hamas through his position at World Vision. However, World Vision vehemently denied these allegations, stating that their programs in Gaza undergo rigorous audits and controls to ensure funds are used appropriately.
El-Halabi's case had drawn attention from human rights groups, who criticized the legal process and raised concerns about the fairness of the trial. Despite the controversy surrounding his arrest and subsequent release, El-Halabi expressed gratitude for being out of prison and vowed to continue his humanitarian work.
The complex nature of this case underscores the challenges faced by aid organizations operating in conflict zones, where allegations of funding militant groups can have serious repercussions. As El-Halabi seeks to rebuild his life post-release, the debate over his involvement with Hamas and the implications for humanitarian efforts in Gaza are likely to persist.
