Staff Reports
In a recent operation in the Jabaliya area of northern Gaza, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) discovered a significant amount of cash—more than $1.3 million—hidden in suitcases at the residence of a high-ranking Hamas member. This finding, equivalent to 5 million NIS, drew attention as it matched the total cash seized from various sources between October 7 and the end of November, according to the IDF.
IDF suggests aid stolen after finding $1.3M in cash in suitcases at home of senior Hamas member https://t.co/Rk98Dx7ZjN via @nypost oBOMBa hitlery PEDO Europe Don`t care.
— Mark Langeway (@Ma38759Mark) December 19, 2023
The IDF suggested that these funds, found at the residence of a senior Hamas figure, might have been earmarked for purposes potentially associated with illegal activities. This raised speculation about the intended use of the money, whether for civilian needs like access to clean water, electricity, or fuel in Gaza, or for other undisclosed purposes. There were implications that these funds could have been diverted from Gaza's aid reserves, highlighting concerns about their allocation.
Hamas has faced accusations of diverting funds meant for Palestinian welfare to support its military endeavors. Reports indicate a substantial annual budget for Hamas' military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, with significant amounts directed towards building and maintaining underground tunnels, as reported by both Israeli and Palestinian sources.
Apart from concerns about misallocated aid funds, Hamas reportedly gains financial support through various means, including transactions with Iranian entities, investments in cryptocurrency, taxation, coercion, and smuggling, as suggested by US officials.
Since Hamas took control in 2006, Israel has closely monitored the flow of funds into Gaza. Efforts have been made to facilitate aid through channels such as Qatari funds via the United Nations. Despite Gaza's estimated annual budget of $450 million, criticisms persist regarding the allocation of resources, especially towards civilian infrastructure and quality-of-life improvements.
The recent discovery of substantial cash in the homes of senior Hamas members follows IDF's operations in northern Gaza over the weekend, including searches conducted in the offices and vacation residences of other high-ranking individuals in southern Gaza.
