Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — Congress is considering sanctions on Qatar and Turkey for their support of Hamas.

Two House subcommittees have urged the administration of President Barack Obama to conduct an investigation and take measures to stop Ankara and Doha from financing the Palestinian Islamic movement, which controls the Gaza Strip.

“It’s no secret that Turkey and Qatar provide refuge to many Hamas operatives, and that both of these supposed American allies have become major terror financial hubs,” Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, chairwoman of the House Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, said.

On Nov. 9, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen released a letter that urged the Treasury Department to sanction individuals and entities that support Hamas, listed by the State Department as a terrorist organization. The letter, signed by more than 20 House members, cited financial and political support by Qatar and Turkey, including the harboring of Hamas leaders.

House members have asserted that Qatar and Turkey have been extremely lax in enforcing terror financing laws. They said Ankara and Doha ignored U.S. designated individuals or entities while hosting such Hamas leaders as Khaled Masha’al and Salah Arouri.

“By going after those individuals and entities tied to support for Hamas, Treasury can send a strong message to both governments that they need to get on board and sanction entities that are supporting terrorism or risk further isolation from America and our financial sector,” Ms. Ros-Lehtinen said.

In a letter to Treasury Undersecretary David Cohen, the House members cited Qatar’s $400 million donation for the reconstruction of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. The members also said Turkey was hosting Arouri, believed to head Hamas’ operational network in the West Bank.

“In addition to Hamas figures that knowingly and openly operate in Turkey, numerous charities, front companies and possibly even banks provide some form of support from Turkey for the terror group,” the letter said.

“…We are requesting that Treasury use every tool available to designate all individuals, institutions, entities, charities, front companies, banks, and government officials who clearly violate U.S. laws by assisting Hamas and its proxies. We also request specific public updates on Treasury’s discussions with the Qatari government on previously designated, Qatar-based terrorist financiers that the Qataris have yet to act upon.”

  House weighs sanctions on Qatar, Turkey for financing Hamas, WorldTribune.com