Hamas struggling to pay operatives in Gaza due to worsening cash crunch — WSJ

Hamas is struggling to pay its members in Gaza, including senior terror operatives, due to a worsening cash crunch, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Citing Arab, Israeli and Western officials, the US newspaper notes Israel’s decision to block humanitarian aid from entering the Gaza Strip, some of which Hamas took and sold. It also quotes Arab intelligence officials who say the renewed Israeli offensive in Gaza has taken out Hamas members who play key roles in doling out cash to operatives, while others have been forced to hide.

The intelligence officials add that employees in Gaza’s Hamas-led government have stopped receiving payments, while senior operatives and political figures received half of their wages over Ramadan and rank-and-file fighters get $200-$300 monthly.

The Israeli and Western officials say Hamas was facing a cash squeeze before the ceasefire and hostage release deal that took effect in January, providing the terror group an opportunity to generate revenue by taxing merchants, demanding trucks make payments at checkpoints and seizing goods to fence. Hamas also reportedly uses funds it has overseas to buy humanitarian aid to sell in Gaza, turning it back into cash.