In a joint effort with Canada, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has designated the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network as an international fundraiser for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a terrorist organization. The PFLP was classified as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. Department of State in 1997 and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in 2001. Samidoun, along with Khaled Barakat, a member of PFLP's leadership, plays significant roles in fundraising activities for the group.
Canada has also listed Samidoun as a terrorist entity under its Criminal Code, effective October 11. This designation prohibits actions related to terrorist financing, including dealing with property belonging to terrorists.
"Organizations like Samidoun masquerade as charitable actors that claim to provide humanitarian support to those in need, yet in reality divert funds for much-needed assistance to support terrorist groups," stated Bradley T. Smith, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.
Dominic LeBlanc, Canadian Minister of Public Safety, remarked on Canada's commitment to countering terrorist organizations alongside key partners like the United States: "Today’s joint action with the U.S. sends a strong message that our two nations will not tolerate this type of activity."
The OFAC's action aims to identify sham charities that hinder legitimate non-profit organizations from securing financial services needed for humanitarian aid in Gaza and the West Bank. The recent measures build on previous actions taken by OFAC against similar abuses within non-profit sectors.
Samidoun is based in Vancouver and is considered a front organization established by PFLP for fundraising purposes where PFLP is recognized as a terrorist entity. Khaled Barakat has been identified as part of PFLP's leadership abroad and involved in fundraising efforts supporting terrorism against Israel.
As part of today's action under Executive Order 13224, all properties and interests belonging to designated individuals or entities within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. Non-U.S. persons engaging with sanctioned entities may face sanctions risks or enforcement actions.
OFAC emphasizes compliance with its regulations among U.S.-incorporated entities globally while highlighting potential penalties for violations based on strict liability principles.
Treasury remains committed to facilitating legitimate humanitarian assistance while denying resources to malicious actors through OFAC sanctions programs that allow certain humanitarian transactions supporting vulnerable populations.
