Palestinian journalist Mustafa Ayash was arrested at Schiphol airport, Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported Saturday, citing pro-Palestinian organizations.
Mustafa Ayash founded Hamas-affiliated news outlet Gaza Now, which has been sanctioned by both the United States and the United Kingdom for supporting Hamas.
Ayash, an Austrian national, is reportedly set to be deported to Austria, according to Gaza Now.
Ayash has been placed on a travel ban under counter terrorism sanctions by the United Kingdom, according to the British government.
The United States Office of Foreign Assets Control placed Ayash on a list of Specially Designated Nationals. A March 2024 US Treasury press release listed Ayash and Gaza Now as "key financial facilitators involved in fundraising for Hamas."
Ayash and Gaza Now held the fundraisers after Hamas's October 7 Massacre under the guise of raising money for humanitarian aid, but the donations were allegedly being funneled towards support for Hamas.
Ayash has previously been arrested
Gaza Now reported in 2024 that Ayash was previously arrested in Austria following the US and UK sanctions. He was apparently released after Austrian officials investigated and shut down multiple of Gaza Now's social media profiles.