Gaza Now, Sanctioned for Supporting Hamas, Continues Fundraising

Note: Article was originally published on March 28, 2024. Updated on April 1, 2024.

In a coordinated move, the U.S. and U.K. governments announced last week the designation of Gaza Now, a Palestinian online media outlet, as part of a “Hamas-aligned” network engaged in fundraising for the proscribed terrorist group.

Mustafa Ayyash, the founder of Gaza Now who was also sanctioned, was reportedly arrested by Austrian authorities on the same day, according to a statement by Gaza Now.

Although Gaza Now’s accounts were closed on Facebook and Instagram, they remain active on Telegram and X, where the group has called on followers to support its ongoing fundraising efforts.

Earlier in March, Gaza Now teamed up with a U.K.-based charity in a joint campaign called the "Gaza Emergency Appeal." The two organizations are soliciting donations on MuslimGiving, an online fundraising platform, and are accepting donations through a U.K. bank account.

On March 19, Gaza Now referred to the fundraising campaign as its “own,” but noted it was disguised to avoid “incitement” by “western platforms.” The U.K. charity has also used social media to direct donors to the online fundraising page and a U.K. bank account.

As of April 1, Gaza Now’s “Gaza Emergency Appeal" campaign remains live on Muslim Giving, an online fundraising platform, with a total of £120,000 having been donated. Donations have continued since the designation.

Since the October 7 attack on Israel, Gaza Now has launched multiple crowdfunding campaigns on various social media platforms, as Kharon previously reported. These campaigns solicited donations in cryptocurrencies and through bank accounts. Many of these efforts have since been shut down by authorities, but Gaza Now has remained active.