The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have disclosed internal documents purportedly from Hamas, claiming the group has systematically embezzled a significant portion of the humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip during the conflict. Israeli officials allege that Hamas has diverted between 15% and 25% of this aid to finance its operations and compensate its fighters.
A strategic planning document attributed to Hamas reveals, “Al-Qassam (the military faction of the organization) previously received 25% of the incoming aid. It has been agreed with our counterparts in Al-Qassam that the distribution will be adjusted to: 7% for Al-Qassam, 4% for government agencies, and 4% for movement cadres.”
Humanitarian Seizures and Civilian Complaints
The IDF claims that Hamas either distributed supplies directly to its operatives or sold them at inflated prices for substantial profit.
Included in the documents is a letter from a resident of the Rimal neighborhood in Gaza addressed to a senior Hamas official. Dated March 2024, Idris Abdel Rahman Idris expresses his frustration over the internal security confiscating 17 sacks of flour and 15 aid vouchers meant for his family from his brother’s truck. “We have a complete list of the recipients’ names and hope the aid will be returned to those entitled to it,” he stated.
Internal Reactions and Public Dissent in Gaza
The released documents also highlight discord within Hamas regarding its management of the humanitarian crisis and the growing dissatisfaction among residents, particularly in northern Gaza. To prevent confiscation, some residents concealed supplies, while in certain cases, Hamas fighters in the Beit Hanoun area allegedly supported protests advocating for a ceasefire.
An internal communication from the organization noted that “some members continue to voice opposition to the movement, asserting that the organization is primarily responsible for the devastation in Gaza and the deterioration of living conditions.”
Cigarette Smuggling and Funding via Turkey
According to the Israeli military, Hamas has also engaged in smuggling cigarettes to sell them at inflated prices. In response, Israel has prohibited the import of cigarettes and has intercepted multiple smuggling attempts into Gaza.
Furthermore, Israeli officials indicate that Hamas’s funding sources include protection rackets, as well as informal international financial channels involving members of the organization in Turkey. The Israeli security agency Shin Bet reports that Hamas has embezzled hundreds of millions of dollars in humanitarian aid throughout the conflict.
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