An Algerian Islamic scholar and head of a prominent Algerian charity, Al-Baraka Association, is reportedly involved in sexually extorting women in Gaza in exchange for humanitarian aid.
The allegations surfaced after an Egyptian human rights activist, Hamza Hamza Al Masri, shared a Facebook post on Wednesday that included a phone call between two NGO officials discussing the scandal.
The individuals on the call were identified as Shadi Jenina, Director of Al-Baraka Association Office in Gaza, and Ahmed Zaqout, the Executive Director of the office.
During the conversation, the two officials allegedly discussed how the NGO’s Algerian President, Ahmed Ibrahimi, had been approaching Gazan women secretly.
In the call, Zaqout suggested that if Ibrahimi’s intentions were to get married to the women, the situation “would be feasible.”
However, Jenina dismissed this idea, asserting that Ibrahimi’s intentions were not related to marriage. “His problem is that he is very insistent. She [a Gazan woman] told me he calls her over 50 times a day,” Jenina reportedly said.
Jenina further alleged that some women were frightened by Ibrahimi’s persistence, with one woman blocking and insulting him. He also claimed that Ibrahimi kept a record of the phone numbers of the women he systematically harassed.
Zaqout appeared to downplay the accusations, suggesting the women might have contacted Ibrahimi themselves. Jenina, however, defended the women, stating that he believed their claims to be true.
He shared the story of a Gazan widow and mother of three who received an aid package from Ibrahimi after he contacted her at 5 a.m. The woman reported that Ibrahimi repeatedly attempted to turn the conversation into a video call.
During the NGO officials’ call, Zaqout mentioned a separate incident involving Ibrahimi, where the scholar allegedly had an affair with a doctor in Gaza while delivering aid with a convoy.
Zaqout advised Jenina not to share this information with anyone and to speak directly with Ibrahimi.
Despite Zaqout’s counsel, Jenina expressed frustration, stating that Ibrahimi’s behavior was becoming overwhelming and that his harassment was exstensive.
As the audio recording of the conversation gained traction online, Jenina posted a statement on his Facebook page, disputing the accuracy of the phone call. He claimed that the recording was a “failed attempt by the arms of the occupation” and part of a broader effort to undermine support for the NGO’s work in Gaza.
“The timing of this recording’s release only confirms that our association’s activities and sincere efforts have disturbed certain parties, which only motivates us to continue with even greater strength and determination,” Jenina added.