Shocking
How Israeli Aid Trucks Fuel Hamas' Hidden Cash Empire During Cease-Fire
In closed discussions held in recent weeks, intelligence sources presented more severe estimates regarding Hamas's solid economic situation, which holds, according to some estimates, cash amounting to about a billion shekels inside the Gaza Strip.
Hamas has amassed hundreds of millions of dollars in hidden cash reserves, much of it stashed in underground tunnels, allowing the militant group to maintain control over Gaza and fund operations despite two years of war with Israel, according to Israeli intelligence assessments and military sources, and as reported by Ynet.
The group's financial strength, estimated between 400 million shekels ($107 million) and 1 billion shekels ($268 million), has been strengthened by indirect Israeli assistance through aid shipments, despite recommendations from Israel's military to curb such flows, officials said. The Israel Defense Forces acknowledged last week that tens of millions of dollars flowed to Hamas in 2025, the year hostilities largely ceased without a decisive defeat for the group.
Under pressure from Qatar and Turkey, Israel has continued allowing around 4,200 aid trucks carrying food and fuel into Gaza weekly, exceeding the population's needs, according to IDF assessments. About 400 of the 600 daily commercial trucks originate from the private sector, including Israeli companies. Hamas imposes taxes of 15% to 25% on the goods' value upon entry, followed by additional levies on sales in local markets, generating millions in daily revenue.
In closed-door briefings, IDF officials urged reducing truck numbers to limit Hamas's income, but political leaders have not acted, sources said. "Hamas has no opposition in Gaza, certainly not economically," one officer described, noting the group paid minimal salaries during the war but has resumed higher payouts of 800 to 1,500 shekels monthly to tens of thousands of employees.
The reserves stem from years of preparation, including monthly Qatari injections of $30 million pre-war, with Israeli approvaland a "hawala" system for informal transfers evading sanctions. Hamas allegedly robbed Gaza City's Bank of Palestine early in the conflict, moving funds underground.
Smuggling via aid trucks persists, including tobacco despite bans, and dual-use materials have been intercepted. Currency exchanges, often Hamas-affiliated, charge up to 40% commissions on conversions from dollars or Egyptian lira to shekels. Money-transfer apps, also taxed heavily, facilitate inflows from abroad. IDF scans all trucks at crossings like Kerem Shalom, but admit limitations.
Sources predict any post-war "technocrat" government in Gaza would include Hamas elements, maintaining its influence.