The Spanish government has decided to allow the U.S. request to extradite James "Fergie" Chambers to proceed through Spain's legal system. Chambers, a U.S. citizen and a wealthy donor to leftwing and humanitarian causes, is currently jailed in Madrid. This case is notable because it is the first known instance where the U.S. has sought to extradite a citizen for alleged support of Hamas, a Palestinian militant group. The charges stem from money he donated to support Palestinians in Gaza, including the Sameer Project, a humanitarian initiative. Chambers' legal team, which includes Spanish politicians and celebrities, has opposed the extradition, arguing it is an act of political persecution. Under Spanish law, such claims could render the request invalid. While Spain's 22-member cabinet had the authority to reject the U.S. petition outright, they instead passed it to the country's justice system, potentially starting a legal process that could last months. Meanwhile, Chambers is seeking asylum in Spain, which, by law, would prevent his extradition until the process is complete. His lawyer, Aitor Martínez, said a request to release him on bail is pending a court decision after earlier requests were denied. The decision by the Spanish government was announced briefly by Elma Saiz, the minister of inclusion, social security, and migration. Sources close to the government told the Guardian that there was internal debate, with five members of the leftwing Sumar coalition opposing the move. Sumar is part of a governing coalition with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's Socialist Party, which has expressed strong support for the Palestinian cause. Critics argue that allowing the extradition request could undermine Spain's commitment to international law and humanitarian aid. Chambers' legal defense also claims that the U.S. allegations of international money laundering are unfounded. He obtained his wealth legally through a 2023 settlement with his family, who own the U.S. media and communications company Cox Communications. His donations have supported over 100 projects in 20 countries. The U.S. charges involve $7.5 million he allegedly sent to Tunisia years ago, which his partner, Stella Schnabel, says was used to support a Tunisian football club. Schnabel, who is pregnant and has a young son with Chambers, expressed deep concern about the potential impact of the legal process on their family.