Israel Security Assesses Hamas Nets $67 Million Monthly from Gaza Aid Trucks
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Israel's security establishment estimates Hamas earns about 250 million shekels monthly from taxing goods entering Gaza, totaling roughly 3 billion shekels annually. This income is derived from private sector shipments and potentially humanitarian aid trucks. The private sector in Gaza has halted operations due to Hamas's demands, with Israel considering a review of truck entry policies.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hamas reportedly earns 250 million shekels monthly from taxing goods entering Gaza.
- Annual revenue for Hamas from these taxes is estimated at 3 billion shekels.
- Private sector trade in Gaza has stopped due to Hamas's demands for fees per truck.
- Israel continues to allow around 600 trucks daily despite Hamas's financial gains.
- Security officials may reassess truck entry policies based on Hamas's involvement.
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 facilitated by Israel.
According to these assessments, Hamas garners around 3 billion shekels (about $800 million) annually from these private sector trucks. The security apparatus believes Hamas's income could be even higher, as the organization also allegedly intercepts a portion of humanitarian aid trucks entering Gaza daily.
This situation has led to the suspension of private sector trade in Gaza. Merchants reportedly ceased operations after Hamas demanded 10,000 shekels per truck. Prior to this, approximately 300 private sector trucks entered Gaza daily.
Beyond direct fees, Hamas is also estimated to profit from about 25% of the revenue from each truck. The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) had previously recommended limiting daily truck entries to 250. However, due to a US-brokered agreement, Israel continues to permit around 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 in Gaza remains paralyzed by Hamas's demands and threats.
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