Lawsuit alleges Palestinian-American billionaire aided Hamas attacks
- Around 200 American family members of October 7 attack victims have sued Bashar Masri for complicity with Hamas.
- The lawsuit claims that Masri's investments supported terrorist operations and misused U.S. economic development funds.
- The cases against Masri and Al Jazeera may have profound legal and financial implications for both entities.
In the United States, approximately 200 family members of victims from the October 7 attacks have initiated legal action against Bashar Masri, a Palestinian-American billionaire. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., accuses Masri of providing support to Hamas and alleges that he has engaged in a long-standing pattern of complicity with the terrorist group. It suggests that Masri's investments have directly contributed to operations that facilitated these attacks and that funds intended for economic development have been diverted to support Hamas's infrastructure. The complaint also points to specific financial dealings, including a solar energy project in Gaza and prior agreements with Hamas officials, suggesting that Masri may have leveraged his business connections to benefit Hamas. This has raised significant concerns given Masri's previous associations with U.S. administration officials, including his role on the Development Finance Corporation's advisory council under the Trump administration. His investments and ties with Qatari entities further complicate the relationship, prompting questions about U.S. foreign policy, investment ethics, and accountability in the region. In a parallel case involving Al Jazeera, the lawsuit seeks to hold the organization's Washington division accountable for allegedly providing material support to Hamas. Plaintiffs, including individuals directly affected by the attacks, argue that Al Jazeera knowingly aided Hamas's operations by showcasing terrorists and broadcasting content that incited violence. The legal action against the news network reflects growing concerns about the role of media organizations in conflicts, particularly how they may influence public opinion and facilitate terrorist ideologies. Should the lawsuits be successful, they could lead to significant financial repercussions for both Masri and Al Jazeera, potentially hampering their operations within the United States. The legal actions represent not only a quest for justice by the victims' families but also a broader challenge to the complicity of businesses and media in conflict zones, seeking to establish accountability and prevent future acts of terrorism.