The Israel Defense Forces have confiscated more than $1.3 million in cash found inside a pair of suitcases at the home of a senior Hamas member in northern Gaza, officials said.
Members of the IDF Multi-Domain Unit were in the Jabaliya active area as they continued to advance on the few remaining strongholds in northern Gaza when they came across the cash, valued at NIS 5 million, the currency used in the enclave. Palestinian and Israel, the IDF said. .
The money was located in the home of a senior Hamas member and equals the total amount confiscated from terrorists from October 7 to the end of November, according to the Israeli military.
“These funds, found inside the residence of a senior Hamas terrorist, were designated for terrorist activities,” the IDF wrote on Monday.
“What could this money have been used for? “Provisions of drinking water, electricity and fuel for Gaza residents,” the Israeli military added, appearing to suggest that the money was looted from the Gaza relief fund.
The IDF confiscated more than $1.3 million in cash found inside a pair of suitcases in the home of a senior Hamas member in northern Gaza. IDF
Hamas has long been accused of stealing money donated to Palestinian aid to fund its military wing and allow its leaders to enjoy lavish lifestyles abroad while civilians fight.
Hamas’ al-Qassam Brigades reportedly have an annual budget of more than $100 million, and another $40 million a year is spent digging and maintaining the group’s elaborate underground tunnel system, Israeli and Palestinian sources told The Times of Israel.
In addition to filling its coffers with stolen aid money, Hamas allegedly makes hundreds of millions of dollars through trade with Iranian partners, cryptocurrency investments, taxes, extortion and even smuggling, US officials told NBC News.
Hamas has long been accused of stealing money intended for Palestinian aid as civilians continue to be displaced by the ongoing war. Israeli Army / AFP via Getty Images A Palestinian mourns the loss of his loved ones after a bombing in southern Gaza, where the IDF attacked Hamas bases. Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
In total, the terrorist group that rules Gaza is believed to have an annual budget of $450 million, and there has been much criticism of its apparent lack of investment in civilian infrastructure and quality of life.
Israel has long monitored funds flowing into Gaza since Hamas took power in 2006, when the Jewish state approved funds from Qatar delivered through the United Nations.
Hamas representatives have repeatedly claimed that the group separates finances for its military wing and its day-to-day administration of Gaza.
People mourn the bodies of Palestinians killed in airstrikes. APAImages/Shutterstock
Like the first stash of NIS 5 million seized between October and November, the millions found on Monday will likely be absorbed by the Jewish state.
Along with the raid on the homes of senior Hamas members in northern Gaza over the weekend, the IDF also infiltrated the offices and vacation homes of other senior members in southern Gaza.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn