U.S. Sanctions Muslim Brotherhood Official and Hamas Financial Networks

The United States Department of the Treasury sanctioned Mahmoud al-Abyari, the UK-based Secretary-General of the Muslim Brotherhood General Secretariat, and six other individuals and entities on July 23, 2026. The Office of Foreign Assets Control identified al-Abyari as a key figure in raising funds for Hamas-linked organizations, including Filistin Vakfi and Hayat Yolu, specifically targeting the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades military wing.

Other designated targets include two sham charities, the Indonesia-based Tujah Bulah Global and the Gaza-based Madad Palestine Charitable Society, which the Treasury alleges were created to divert civilian aid to Hamas. Additionally, the U.S. sanctioned the Turkey-based money exchanger El-Kahira for General Trading, its owner Khuldun Khamis Zakaria Alden, and two shareholders. El-Kahira is accused of transferring hundreds of thousands of dollars to Hamas and providing underground banking services to the Sweden-based Foxtrot Network organized crime group.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the administration will relentlessly pursue those using charities or businesses as facades to finance terrorism. The operation was coordinated with the FBI, DEA, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This action marks the third package of Muslim Brotherhood sanctions this year. The move highlights a policy divergence with the United Kingdom, where al-Abyari is based, as the British government has not proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood despite its designation as a terrorist organization in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.