Israel bans Hamas-linked charities

JERUSALEM, July 7 (UPI) -- Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak announced Monday the banning of 36 charitable organizations, calling them part of Hamas' fundraising network.

Barak said the Hamas-linked organizations, part of the so-called Union of Good, allegedly were raising large sums for Hamas activities in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip. The announced ban marks the broadest and most comprehensive ban ever issued in Israel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.

The ban is part of a series of declarations against overseas charity organizations. Israeli officials say the move is a major step in cracking down on a suspected global network assisting Hamas in raising funds.

The Union of Good, which mainly operates in Europe and the Persian Gulf countries, allegedly is composed of extremist Islamic foundations.

"There is no doubt that, in light of its scope, this significant declaration will require the Israeli and world banking and financial systems to prepare accordingly and act with caution in order to avoid criminal actions or civil lawsuits by victims of terrorism, such as that against the Arab Bank in the United States," Barak said in a statement.