Investigation Intensifies Over Allegations That Swedish Aid Funded Hamas-Linked Group
Allegations that Swedish aid funded Hamas-linked groups have led to a multi-country investigation and a comprehensive review by Sida and Swedish authorities to prevent terror financing.
- • Sweden’s Sida allocated 55 million SEK to ICHR from 2011 to 2025, an organization linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
- • Danish-led investigation involves Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, and Switzerland to examine potential misuse of aid.
- • Minister Benjamin Dousa and Sida’s Director Jakob Granit are addressing the allegations and reviewing aid protocols.
- • Sida is reassessing risk management and monitoring routines to ensure aid does not fund terrorism.
Key details
Sweden is embroiled in a significant investigation after allegations emerged that Swedish aid funds were directed to the Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR), an organization reportedly linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) has allocated 55 million SEK to ICHR between 2011 and 2025, funding which investigations now suggest may have indirectly supported terrorist operations.
These revelations came to light following an October report by Danish newspaper BT, exposing ICHR's cooperation with terrorist groups, including financing police training for Hamas. In response, Sweden’s Minister for Aid and Foreign Trade, Benjamin Dousa, expressed serious concern, emphasizing the gravity of the allegations and stating no funds should assist terrorist organizations.
Sida Director General Jakob Granit confirmed the agency is meticulously reviewing all relevant documents and past evaluations to ensure aid does not finance terrorism. He highlighted that Sida has established risk management, monitoring routines, and information flows to Sweden's Foreign Ministry; however, these processes are under reassessment to improve oversight.
An international investigation led by Denmark, involving Sida alongside the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, and Switzerland, is underway to assess any misconduct regarding aid distribution to ICHR. Granit is scheduled to provide clarifications at the Foreign Ministry, while Dousa takes full responsibility for the oversight and vows to prevent future funding to terrorist-related entities.
The controversy also raises questions about how ICHR continued to receive Swedish aid despite new scrutiny measures implemented after October 7, 2023, intended to protect Swedish taxpayer money from reaching extremist groups. Sida acknowledged they initially learned about the allegations from Danish media, prompting a comprehensive review to uphold aid integrity.
This ongoing investigation highlights significant concerns about international aid accountability and Sweden’s commitment to preventing the support of terrorism through aid channels.