No evidence of World Vision fraud: DFAT

The foreign affairs department review of World Vision's aid projects in Gaza has found no evidence of taxpayers money being siphoned off to Hamas.

Australian aid money to support World Vision's work in the Palestinian Territories remains suspended despite the foreign affairs department finding no evidence of taxpayers money being siphoned off to Islamic militant group Hamas.

Manager Mohammad El-Halabi is facing charges of diverting $US50 million ($A66 million) to the group.

A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokeswoman said an Israeli court case would determine Mr El-Halabi's innocence or guilt.

"DFAT conducted a review of its aid management and found nothing to indicate we have any awareness of Mr El-Halabi's alleged wrongdoing," she said.

She noted World Vision International and World Vision Australia has also commissioned independent reviews which are ongoing, and the Israeli court case continues.

"Australian aid funding to World Vision will remain suspended until we consider the outcomes of these processes," she said.

A spokeswoman for World Vision said the aid group welcomed the announcement of the DFAT review findings.

"We remain deeply concerned with this situation, and are saddened by the impact on Gaza's children and their families," she said.

Aid from the international community remains a lifeline for 1.1 million people in Gaza, and one in four children in Gaza is in need of psychosocial support, she says.

The aid group reiterated Mr El-Halabi has pleaded not guilty to all charges made against him and continues to maintain his innocence.


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Source: AAP


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