US-funded NGOs in Gaza halt operations amid Hamas audit demand

               The United States has suspended operations of the aid organizations it funds in the Gaza Strip over alleged meddling by Hamas. A US official told Reuters that USAID-funded partner organizations operating in Gaza were forced by Hamas's action to suspend their assistance work and were put on hold effective August 12. He added that through a series of measures Hamas has imposed over the past months, it has created an environment which jeopardizes the ability of nongovernmental organizations to provide assistance to Gaza's most vulnerable residents. The official said Hamas had demanded access to files and records of NGOs, which would reveal financial and adminsitrative information, details of staff members and information on beneficiaries. He said Hamas had shut down the International Medical Corps, an NGO and USAID partner, after its officials objected to what he called "unwarranted audits." The official said Hamas had chosen to put its political agenda ahead of the welfare of the Palestinian people. A Hamas administration official, Taher Al-Nono said an understanding had been reached which would allow independent auditing teams to inspect the files of NGOs, but he added that Hamas had the right to monitor their work in the coastal territory. He also said that IMC would be allowed to reopen its offices on Saturday or Sunday.(22,35)