World Vision suspends Gaza operations

World Vision has laid off about 120 contractors in the Gaza Strip after allegations surfaced one of its managers funneled money to Hamas. In an August 29 letter obtained by Reuters, World Vision told contractors Israel had frozen its bank accounts in Jerusalem, making it impossible for the aid group to pay salaries. Israeli officials in June arrested Mohammad El Halabi, director of World Vision’s Gaza branch, and accused him of giving tens of millions of dollars to Hamas. World Vision and Halabi both deny the accusations. World Vision did not confirm the details of the letter, but told Reuters it had suspended its operations in Gaza.