Two men accused of funding Palestinian group Hamas through a US-based charity have been sentenced to 65 years in jail.

Five leaders of what used to be the largest Muslim charity in America were convicted last year of funnelling more than $15 million to Hamas.

Three others received sentences of up to 20 years in jail.

The two men jailed for 65 years have family ties to Hamas members.

"These sentences should serve as a strong warning to anyone who knowingly provides financial support to terrorists under the guise of humanitarian relief," said David Kris, assistant US attorney-general for national security.

Hamas is designated a terrorist group by the US Government.

The charity, the Holy Land Foundation, was shut down after the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Prosecutors did not accuse the charity of directly financing or being involved in terrorism.

Instead, they alleged the humanitarian aid was used to promote Hamas and allow it to divert existing funds to militant activities.

All five men say they are innocent victims of anti-Islamic sentiment.

The men's defence said the charity was a non-political organisation that operated legally to get much-needed aid to Palestinians living in squalor under the Israeli occupation.

They argued their clients were on trial chiefly because of their family ties.

-ABC/AFP