Hamas’s network of support

Hamas is one of the wealthiest terrorist groups in the world, with an annual turnover estimated at $700 million, flowing in from taxes, financial aid and donations from regional powers


Qatar: Largest financial patron of Hamas. More than $350 million supporting infrastructure, families in extreme poverty in Gaza Strip – 45.3% jobless rate – and paying Hamas-run government
 
Iran: U.S. State Department estimates that Iran provides some $100m annually to Palestinian armed groups including Hamas, and Hezbollah in Lebanon

Turkey: Has become supporter of Hamas. Turkey and Qatar insist they do not fund Hamas’ s military activity
  
Hamas chief: Ismail Haniyeh (pictured) resident in Qatar since 2012

Taxes: Hamas collects $12-15m annually on goods imported from Egypt – cigarettes, fuel and construction materials

Jan 2019: Hamas’s al-Qassam Brigades (AQB) use Bitcoin to raise funds. Donors send funds to cryptocurrency addresses controlled by Hamas

Aug 2020: U.S. dismantles AQB website and seizes crypto accounts

May 2021: Violent clashes break out following Israel’s storming of Al-Aqsa mosque (below). Crypto donations to AQB surge to more than $7.3m

2021-22: Hamas gathers around $500m in assets by investing in real estate or construction companies in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Sudan and UAE

2021-23: Hamas crypto wallets receive estimated $41m
         
Apr 2023: Israel’s police work with crypto trading platform Binance to seize Hamas crypto accounts

Oct 9: Two days after deadly Hamas attack on Israel, European Commission reverses decision
to block €691m in development aid to Palestinians

Oct 16: Following days of contradictory messaging about stance on conflict, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (inset) triples humanitarian aid to Gaza to €75m
            

Sources: Elliptic, Forbes, Politico, Reuters Pictures: Getty Images, Twitter © GRAPHIC NEWS