IDF Spokesman: Hamas Demanded Rent on Tents During Storm "Byron"

“The Hamas that caused a flood of destruction in the Gaza Strip, and seized homes, lands, and entire neighborhoods for its terrorist purposes, is the same Hamas that now demands that residents pay large sums in compensation for the damage it caused,” Adraee said. “It’s a simple story. Hamas caused the destruction of homes and the displacement of people, and now it demands money from those harmed by its actions.”

The allegations surfaced amid Storm Byron, which brought heavy rain and flooding to parts of Gaza last week, worsening conditions for displaced civilians living in temporary shelters. Adraee accused Hamas’s leadership of exploiting the humanitarian crisis rather than addressing it, saying the group continues to impose “unreasonable payment demands” on vulnerable residents.

In a separate Hebrew-language statement, Adraee said the demands were made under pressure and amounted to forced payments, adding that Hamas had taken over homes, land, and entire neighborhoods during the war and was now profiting from the displacement it caused.

Hamas has not publicly responded to the claims.

Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of operating from within civilian areas, including displacement camps, and of diverting resources intended for Gaza’s civilian population for its own use. Israeli officials say such practices demonstrate that Hamas’s control of Gaza prioritizes the group’s interests over the welfare of local residents, even amid worsening humanitarian conditions.