Hamas Stole Millions From Gaza Bank, Internal Document Reveals

Latest Developments

Israel’s Arabic language spokesperson on May 29 revealed an internal Hamas document showing how the terrorist group orchestrated the theft of hundreds of millions of shekels from banks in Gaza City. Spokesperson Avichay Adraee wrote on X that in early February, Hamas operatives warned Bank of Palestine employees in the Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City not to withdraw money from the bank’s safes. Per Adraee’s post, prominent Hamas member Abu Jihad drafted the document on March 10 detailing the plot to rob banks in Gaza.

Adraee further said that Hamas members stole more than $100 million in separate robberies of Bank of Palestine branches in Gaza City on April 16, April 18, and April 19. “While the residents of Gaza are experiencing an economic and social crisis, Hamas is stealing without any hesitation from civilians in the Gaza Strip for the sake of its survival and the survival of its members, and it finances its terrorist activities on the backs and out of the pockets of the people of the Gaza Strip,” Adraee said.

Expert Analysis

“Hamas is robbing the Palestinians of their aid, their money, and their future. The terrorist group is dedicated to Israel’s destruction and is willing to pay a high price in Palestinian blood and suffering to achieve that goal.” — David May, FDD Research Manager and Senior Research Analyst

“Facing an economic crisis of its own making, Hamas stole from Palestinians to avoid bankruptcy. Regrettably for Gazans, Hamas understood that it was likely going to face an extended war with Israel and fell back on a familiar pattern of prioritizing its interests over those of the Palestinian people.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

Hamas Steals From Palestinians

The Israel Defense Forces has repeatedly filmed Hamas stealing aid deliveries intended for Gazans since the terrorist group carried out its killing spree in southern Israel on October 7. In December, The Daily Beast reported that Hamas duped Palestinians into surrendering their jewelry and other possessions. The Daily Beast also alluded to the draconian conditions Hamas imposes in Gaza, saying that it was “told to stop reporting and forced to delete videos while working on this story.” While Palestinians in Gaza are suffering, Hamas leaders in Qatar and elsewhere abroad are reportedly worth billions, residing in luxury hotels and flying in private jets.

Related Analysis

“Hamas Diverts Jordan Aid Convoys in Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief

“How to ensure humanitarian aid gets to the right people in Gaza,” by Seth J. Frantzman

“Hamas Warns Gazans Against Cooperating With Israel on Aid Delivery,” FDD Flash Brief

“While Gazans Suffer, Hamas Leaders Live in Luxury,” FDD Flash Brief