Hamas profits $500 million from looted humanitarian aid

In 2024, Israel accused Hamas of intercepting a significant amount of humanitarian aid intended for the Gaza Strip. Reports revealed that roughly 80% of goods meant for civilian distribution in Gaza were seized by Hamas and other affiliated groups before reaching their intended destinations. According to data collected by the Israeli Defense Ministry's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), only 20% of the aid succeeded in reaching the civilians that it was designated for. The United Nations also indicated that around 85% of aid sent by UN-affiliated agencies was misappropriated by terror organizations such as Hamas. The analysis shared by The New York Sun featured an op-ed by Ophir Falk, a senior foreign policy advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Falk shed light on the extent of the theft of relief supplies, which amounted to more than half a billion dollars in revenue for Hamas throughout the year. This illegal trafficking of essential goods not only financially bolstered Hamas’s operations but also hindered humanitarian efforts aimed at aiding the civilian population in the region. Despite the economic damage caused by ongoing conflicts and the decline of cash inflow from Qatar, reports surfaced about Hamas's continued ability to provide salaries to about 30,000 civil servants involved in administering its rule in Gaza. By creatively managing a covert cash payment system, the terror group was able to pay its personnel slightly over 20% of their salaries before the conflict escalated. The consequences of Hamas's actions have extended beyond just financial gains, as the sustainability of humanitarian assistance in Gaza remains severely compromised. The diversion of critical resources has intensified the hardships faced by the civilian population and highlighted the challenges faced by international organizations striving to deliver aid effectively. The perpetuation of these illicit methods of capital generation raises profound concerns about the integrity of humanitarian aid in conflict-stricken areas and complicates efforts to stabilize governance and support for residents in the Gaza Strip.