A prominent Palestinian-American billionaire has stepped down from his advisory role at Harvard University following a federal lawsuit that accuses him of contributing to the construction of Hamas-operated tunnels and rocket launch facilities in Gaza.
The businessman, who had been serving in a high-profile position connected to one of the university’s academic initiatives, resigned after the lawsuit gained national attention. The complaint, filed in U.S. federal court, alleges that he funneled resources to organizations later linked to Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist group, and helped finance construction projects later used for militant purposes.
While the billionaire has denied any wrongdoing and stated that his support was directed toward humanitarian and infrastructure development, the lawsuit claims that funds were ultimately diverted to support militant activities, including the creation of underground tunnel networks and weapons launch sites.
Harvard University confirmed the resignation but declined to comment further on the matter, stating that it does not discuss personnel issues publicly. The university also indicated that it is reviewing internal policies regarding affiliations and donations.
The allegations have drawn criticism from both sides of the political spectrum, with some calling for deeper scrutiny into how elite institutions vet advisory board members and major donors. Others argue the case raises complex questions about philanthropy in conflict zones and the challenge of ensuring transparency in global charitable contributions.
Federal investigators have not yet announced whether criminal charges will follow, but sources indicate that the case could expand to include additional individuals or organizations. Legal experts say the lawsuit may take years to resolve but could have significant implications for U.S. policy on financial ties to groups involved in overseas conflicts.
As the legal process unfolds, the resignation adds pressure on Harvard and other academic institutions to evaluate the reputational and legal risks associated with international partnerships and high-level advisory appointments.