Lawsuit Claims Bashar Masri Aided Hamas' Terror Infrastructure

A lawsuit filed by families of victims of the October 7 attacks accuses Palestinian-American businessman Bashar Masri of aiding Hamas through development projects in Gaza. The plaintiffs allege that Masri's properties, including the Gaza Industrial Estate and several hotels, were integral to Hamas's infrastructure, facilitating the concealment of tunnels and storage of rockets used in the attacks. While the lawsuit does not claim Masri had prior knowledge of the attacks, it asserts he was aware that his properties were utilized for military purposes, thus providing cover for Hamas's operations. The case challenges Masri's reputation as a pragmatic figure in Palestinian development, highlighting how his businesses allegedly contributed to the group's violent aims while masquerading as legitimate enterprises. Among the plaintiffs are family members of hostages and victims, including the family of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was murdered by Hamas. The lawsuit seeks to hold Masri and his companies accountable for their alleged role in the October 7 attack.