Hamas Generates $820 Million Annually From Gaza Truck Tariffs
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Hamas is earning an estimated 3 billion shekels ($820 million) annually by taxing goods entering Gaza, with traders recently halting operations due to a 10,000 shekel levy per truck. Security officials noted Hamas also profits from humanitarian aid. Israel will reassess trade permits based on Hamas's involvement if traders resume operations.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Hamas earns an estimated 3 billion shekels annually from taxing goods entering Gaza.
- Traders in Gaza suspended operations after Hamas imposed a 10,000 shekel fee per truck.
- Hamas reportedly collects a quarter of profits from commercial goods entering Gaza.
- Security officials believe Hamas also intercepts a portion of humanitarian aid shipments.
- Israel permits around 600 trucks daily under US-mediated understandings.
- Future trade permits will depend on Hamas's level of involvement in the taxation.
Updated security assessments reveal that Hamas is generating approximately 250 million shekels (about $68 million) monthly, totaling 3 billion shekels ($820 million) annually, through a system of fees and taxes on goods entering the Gaza Strip. This revenue stream was brought to light following an announcement by the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) that private sector traders in Gaza had decided to halt their operations.
The traders' decision came after Hamas began demanding a compulsory payment of 10,000 shekels for every truck of goods entering from Israel. Prior to the suspension, around 300 private trucks entered Gaza daily. In addition to the transit fees, Hamas reportedly collects about a quarter of the profits from the goods themselves, according to Channel 12 News.
Alongside commercial cargo, approximately 300 additional trucks carrying humanitarian aid from international organizations enter Gaza each day. Security officials indicate that Hamas also intercepts a portion of this aid, suggesting the organization's actual income may exceed direct calculations. Previously, COGAT had recommended limiting daily truck traffic to about 250 to curb Hamas's financial activities. However, under understandings mediated by the United States, Israel currently permits around 600 trucks per day to cross.
Security officials clarified that if local traders wish to resume importing goods, Israel will re-evaluate their permits based on the extent of Hamas's involvement in the fee collection mechanism.
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