Hamas is bankrupt. The organization ends with money to pay fighters

The ruling Gaza Zone Hamas ends money to pay salaries to officials and pay for fighters – wrote the daily Wall Street Journal on Thursday. Israel cut off the humanitarian aid, on which Hamas earned, and many officials of this organization were killed in resumed attacks – added the American newspaper.

Many employees subject to the Hamas of the Civil Administration of the Gaza Zone do not receive a salary, and fighters, including commanders, have only received half of the pay from the end of March. The basic salary of a terraced member of the military wing of the organization is on average the equivalent of around $ 200-300 per month – added “WSJ”.

Israel resumed the offensive on March 18 to the Gaza Strip, from the beginning, declaring that its goal is not only Hamas fighters, but also representatives of the political arm of the group. The army then informed about the death of a dozen or so key officials, including those responsible for finances. “WSJ” pointed out that more important Hamas officials who have not died in attacks must hide, which further hinders the distribution of money inside the group.

Even if Hamas had enough cash to withdraw salaries, its distribution in current conditions would be very difficult – said one of the Israeli experts cited by the newspaper.

Hamas earned a humanitarian aid imported to the zone and ordinary trade, charging fees and taxes, as well as taking over transports and selling them – wrote “WSJ”, citing American, Arab and Israeli intelligence sources.

After the introduction in mid -January, the influx of help and goods increased, which enabled the reconstruction of the group's finances, but at the beginning of March Israel suspended all deliveries to the Gaza Strip.

Aid organizations warn that the blockade worsens the tragic humanitarian situation in the destroyed one and a half years of war. The Israeli government argues that help was robbed by Hamas, who financed terrorist activities from it.

Before the war, Hamas received subsidies from Qatar, as well as funds from his supporters from other countries in the world. These transfers were suspended by Israel after October 7, 2023.

The source of money for the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip are, among others Aid and paid assistance benefits with a large commission of family and friends from abroad.

In the Gaza Zone, the Israeli currency, Szekla, is used, but Israel's central bank has not renewed the physical supply of banknotes since the beginning of the war. There may be banknotes with a total value of approx. $ 3 billion. According to “WSJ”, the cash deficiency is so severe, and the money is so damaged that the craft workshop that was washing and gluing used banknotes was created. (PAP)

adj/ ap/