Michael Freilich, a Jewish member of the Belgian parliament from the New Flemish Alliance party, sent a letter of inquiry regarding the activities of the terrorist organization Hamas in the country.
In response to the investigation, Belgian Justice Minister Poul van Tigchelt said Hamas operates in Belgium through a network of shell companies and is involved in fundraising operations that ultimately funnel funds to Hamas in the name of humanitarian aid to Palestinians. admitted that he was engaged.
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Pro-Palestinian protests in Belgium
(Photo: EPA/Olivier Matisse)
During his questioning, Senator Freilich asked: “How can they work in Belgium? And can our country intervene?” He wondered how terrorist organizations operate in Belgium through shell companies under the guise of support for the Palestinian cause while promoting the image of Hamas.
After the Minister of Justice acknowledged that “Hamas’ activities in Belgium are focused on lobbying and fundraising,” Freilich called for a freeze on funds and an end to the terrorist organization’s activities in Belgium.
Freilich said that the non-profit EUPAC organization, which purports to deal with youth music, culture and sports development, is led by three Palestinians but claims to be focused on Morocco. discovered.
In a letter to the minister, he pointed out that Belgian Palestinian leader al-Shir has ties to Hamas leaders and organizes Hamas activities in several European countries. He has been seen twice alongside Hamas leader Khalid Mashal (in 2008) and Ismail Haniyeh (in 2015).
EUPAC vaguely formulates its goals as aiming to “address investment in the geo-strategic importance of the Middle East region” as part of the Palestinian people’s “towards liberation from occupation.” ing. This will be done through seminars, campaigns and workshops, as well as meetings with high-level European officials.