Florida lawsuit against Palestinian-American developer accused of supporting Hamas has been re-submitted after billionaire avoids being served.

Legal Action against Developer Following October 7 Attack

In Washington, the family of a victim from the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack is re-filing legal complaints against Palestinian-American developers in Florida. This action follows claims that a billionaire involved failed to serve legal papers near his residence in the D.C. area.

Bashar Masri, recognized for developing Rawabi—a futuristic city in the West Bank, along with various projects in the Gaza Strip—was charged in April by families of victims, alleging that his properties aid Hamas operations. This came after earlier filings in Federal Court in D.C.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs assert that Masri continues to evade the lawsuit despite discussing the allegations in Israeli media. Additionally, Masri’s wife reportedly stated to her attorney that he does not reside in the designated area as alleged.

In a conversation with Israeli journalist Avner Borokov, Masri contended that Hamas controls everything in the context of the lawsuit.

Prime Minister Tom Shalom, whose brother was killed while trying to flee the Nova Music Festival, shared a statement responding to the legal actions. “By killing my brother, Hamas brought war to my home. I can’t change that fact,” he expressed. “But by pursuing this case in Florida, I hope to demonstrate that accountability exists along with our pain.”

The October 7th Nova Festival was one of many sites targeted by terrorist groups, resulting in over 1,200 deaths and more than 250 individuals taken as hostages to Gaza.

Masri oversees various construction projects in Gaza through his holdings like Massar International and the Palestinian Development Investment Company (Padico), which he leads. Notably, Masri has also been involved in developing an industrial park in Gaza and luxury hotels in the Mediterranean, which were later reported to have been utilized as part of Hamas’s tunnel systems and rocket launch sites.

Legal complaints allege that these hotels served as training grounds for Hamas’ Kassam Brigade, raising serious concerns about Masri’s involvement. “Masri needs to face the court in the U.S. to explain his actions, not just speak through foreign media,” stated Lee Woroski, a partner at Wilkie Farr & Gallagher LLP.

After the lawsuit was filed in April, Masri resigned from his role on the Council of Deans at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. A spokesman for the Kennedy School commented that the legal claims will be reviewed seriously.

“Mr. Masri sought to enhance his reputation through associations with prestigious institutions like Harvard,” noted Jonathan Missner, managing partner at Stein Mitchell Beato & Missner LLP. “After the lawsuit was made public, Harvard recognized the severity of the allegations against him, severing their connections.”