Israel Security Assesses Hamas Nets $67 Million Monthly from Gaza Aid Trucks
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Israel's security establishment estimates Hamas earns about 250 million shekels ($67 million) monthly from taxing goods entering Gaza, totaling roughly 3 billion shekels ($800 million) annually. This revenue comes from private sector trucks and potentially humanitarian aid shipments. Private sector trade has halted due to Hamas's demands for payments per truck. Israel continues to allow around 600 trucks daily despite Hamas's financial gains.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Hamas earns an estimated 250 million shekels ($67 million) monthly from taxing goods entering Gaza.
- Annual income for Hamas from private sector trucks in Gaza is estimated at 3 billion shekels ($800 million).
- Private sector trade in Gaza has ceased due to Hamas demanding thousands of shekels per truck.
- Hamas also reportedly profits from humanitarian aid trucks entering the Gaza Strip.
- Israel permits approximately 600 trucks daily into Gaza under a US-brokered agreement.
- Security officials will reassess truck entries if merchants seek to resume operations.
Israel's security establishment estimates that Hamas is generating approximately 250 million shekels (about $67 million) per month from taxes and fees levied on goods entering the Gaza Strip. These revenues are reportedly collected from merchants for private sector shipments, with Hamas allegedly taking thousands of shekels for each truck.
According to these assessments, Hamas's annual income from these private sector trucks alone could reach 3 billion shekels (around $800 million). The security apparatus believes Hamas's total earnings are even higher, as the organization also reportedly intercepts a portion of humanitarian aid trucks entering Gaza daily. Hundreds of aid trucks, in addition to private sector shipments, enter the Strip each day.
This situation has led to the suspension of private sector trade in Gaza. Merchants reportedly ceased operations after Hamas demanded a 10,000 shekel payment per truck. Prior to this, around 300 private sector trucks entered Gaza daily.
The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) had previously recommended limiting daily truck entries to 250. However, due to an agreement brokered by the United States, Israel continues to permit approximately 600 trucks daily, despite awareness of Hamas's significant financial gains.
A security official stated that if merchants wish to resume operations and coordinate truck entries, Israel will re-evaluate the situation based on Hamas's continued involvement. The private sector activity in Gaza remains paralyzed due to Hamas's demands and threats.
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