Tuesday 30 August 2022 – The sentence announced today is deeply disappointing and in sharp contrast to the evidence and facts of the case.
As a Christian organisation, World Vision is accountable to the children and families we serve, to our donors, and most of all to be faithful stewards. World Vision emphatically condemns any and all acts of terrorism or support for such activities. We reject any attempt to divert humanitarian resources or exploit the work of aid organisations operating anywhere, and we do not see evidence of these things in this case.
We support Mohammad’s intent to appeal the verdict and the sentence and call for a fair and transparent appeal process based on the facts of the case.
The arrest, six-year trial, unjust verdict and this sentence are emblematic of actions that hinder humanitarian work in Gaza and the West Bank. It adds to the chilling impact on World Vision and other aid or development groups working to assist Palestinians.
We are saddened that our work helping Gaza’s most vulnerable children has been disrupted for so long, and we hope to return to Gaza.
We remain committed to improving the lives of vulnerable children in the region, and hope we will be able to advance our humanitarian work in the context of our longstanding cooperation with the relevant Israeli and Palestinian authorities.
Background
On 15 June 2016, Mohammad El Halabi, the manager of operations for World Vision in Gaza, was arrested on his way home from routine meetings. After 50 days in Israeli state detention, Mohammad was charged with providing support to Hamas. Mohammad pleaded not guilty to all charges made against him. In response to the charges against Mohammad, World Vision suspended its work in Gaza and commissioned an externally conducted forensic investigation. The investigation, completed in July of 2017, found no evidence of diversion of funds and no material evidence that Mohammad was part of or working for Hamas.
This process has had a dramatic and negative effect on children and their families in Gaza, including Mohammad’s own family as he approaches six years of being away from his wife and children.
