American Billionaire Bashar Masri Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Role in Hamas’ October 7 Attack on Israel
In a bombshell development, Bashar Masri, an American-Palestinian billionaire and prominent businessman, is facing a lawsuit filed by grieving families whose loved ones perished in the horrific October 7 terror attack in Israel. The attack, carried out by Hamas, resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 victims and triggered the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The lawsuit, which has stunned the international community, accuses Masri of facilitating Hamas by allowing the militant group to construct crucial military infrastructure under his properties in Gaza. This infrastructure is said to have played a central role in enabling Hamas militants to carry out the attack, which also involved elaborate tunnels, some of which were used to store rockets, weapons, and even hostages.
In this article, we will dive deep into the lawsuit against Bashar Masri, the allegations brought forward by the plaintiffs, and the broader implications of these accusations.
Who is Bashar Masri?
Bashar Masri is a well-known figure in both the business world and Middle Eastern politics. As a Palestinian-American businessman, he is the founder of Masri Development, a company that focuses on development projects in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Masri has been praised for his efforts to boost the region’s economic development, with several high-profile investments in industrial parks, hotels, and other large-scale projects.
In addition to his business ventures, Masri has been recognized globally. He was once named by the World Economic Forum as one of the “Global Leaders of Tomorrow.” Despite this recognition, the lawsuit now casts a long shadow over his reputation, accusing him of indirectly enabling Hamas‘ militant operations.
The Lawsuit and Allegations Against Masri
The lawsuit was filed in the Federal District Court in Washington and accuses Masri of knowingly facilitating Hamas by developing properties in Gaza that housed subterranean tunnels. These tunnels are alleged to have been used by Hamas militants to store weapons, rockets, and to launch attacks against Israel. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of 200 plaintiffs, includes the families of victims killed during the October 7 attack.
Here are the primary allegations in the lawsuit:
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Hamas Tunnels on Masri’s Properties: The lawsuit states that Masri’s properties in Gaza, including an industrial park near the Israeli border, contained elaborate underground tunnel networks. These tunnels are said to have been used by Hamas to store weapons and to launch rockets at Israel.
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Blue Beach Resort and Hamas Tunnels: One of Masri’s high-profile developments, the Blue Beach Resort, is also accused of hosting a complex tunnel system linking it to a Hamas training base. The resort is further alleged to have been used by Hamas militants to plan and execute attacks both above and below ground.
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Ayan Hotel as a Rocket Launch Base: The lawsuit also highlights Masri’s Ayan Hotel in Gaza, claiming that it was used by Hamas as a base to fire rockets at Israel. The lawsuit alleges that tunnels beneath the hotel were accessible from various guest rooms and facilities.
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Electricity Theft for Military Use: The lawsuit claims that Hamas siphoned electricity from a World Bank-funded solar project at one of Masri’s industrial parks to power its underground operations.
While the lawsuit does not claim that Masri had direct knowledge of the October 7 attack itself, it suggests that he was aware of the military infrastructure being developed beneath his properties.
Masri’s Denial and Defence
Masri, who has been a prominent advocate for economic development and peace initiatives in the Middle East, strongly denies the allegations. His representatives have issued a statement insisting that he has never engaged in any illegal activities or supported violence.
According to his office, Masri remains committed to regional peace and stability and unequivocally opposes violence in any form. They stress that his work, including his involvement in rebuilding Gaza after the war, has been widely recognised by both the United States and other international stakeholders.
Masri is now seeking to have the lawsuit dismissed, calling the claims “baseless” and asserting that his work in the region has always been focused on peace-building rather than militancy.
The Broader Implications of the Lawsuit
This lawsuit is one of the first of its kind, highlighting the complex relationship between business development and militant activities in regions like Gaza. In areas under the control of Hamas, infrastructure projects often require approval from the militant group. This raises difficult questions about whether such business ventures, even when undertaken with the aim of economic development, may inadvertently support terrorist activities.
Hamas, which has maintained a stronghold over Gaza for years, has built a vast network of tunnels under homes, schools, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure. The alleged use of Masri’s properties for military purposes points to the challenges of conducting business in a region controlled by a militant group that frequently operates in secrecy and with violence.
The lawsuit also raises questions about international responsibility. How accountable should businessmen like Masri be for militant activities taking place on their properties, especially when they may not have had direct knowledge of the planning or execution of specific attacks?
Masri’s Future and the Path Forward
As the lawsuit progresses, the outcome will likely have significant consequences not just for Bashar Masri but for other businessmen operating in regions affected by Hamas or similar groups. While Masri maintains that he has never supported militancy, the case could serve as a precedent for how businesses are held accountable for their actions and investments in such volatile environments.
For the victims’ families, the case represents an effort to seek justice and accountability for the devastating attacks that claimed the lives of their loved ones. Whether or not the lawsuit succeeds, it shines a spotlight on the complexities of conflict, business, and militancy in the region.
Relevant Links for Further Reading
Photo credit: The Media Line
