Prominent member of Palestinian militant group Hamas Abdul Aziz Ranteesi has urged Muslims to donate funds and all forms of support to his organization and to boycott US-made products in order to weaken the American economy.
Ranteesi’s appeal was in response to statements made by US Secretary of State Colin Powell at a congressional meeting held on September 24, 2003, reported Palestine Info . Powell stressed the importance of blocking financial assistance to Hamas and the necessity of closing down the movement’s offices around the world.
In 2001, The US Department of State issued a terrorist exclusion list (TEL) that designated 39 groups, charities, and companies as ‘supporters of terrorism’. Hamas included, TEL listed individuals would have their US-based assets frozen. In 2003, nine more groups were added to the list.
Since the September 11, 2001 attacks on the US, some 173 nations have implemented orders to freeze terrorist assets. US intelligence sources estimate that Hamas has an annual budget of $50 million, raising much of that money through its reputation as a charity. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
