Hamas, which has fought three wars with Israel and faces financial isolation, called on supporters Tuesday to send funds via Bitcoin.
A spokesman for the Palestinian terror group’s military wing sent out a message calling for support to be sent in the virtual currency.
“Support the resistance financially through the Bitcoin currency,” it said, adding the exact mechanism would be announced later.
Hamas, which runs the Gaza Strip and seeks to destroy Israel, is considered a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, the European Union and others.
Masked gunmen take part in the funeral of Mahmoud al-Nabahin, a member of the Hamas terror group’s military wing, in Buriej refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on January 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)
It has faced financial woes in recent years as banks have sought to ensure they have no dealings with the organization.
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The statement accused Israel of seeking to cut Hamas’s access to finance.
Hamas has also faced increasing financial pressure as the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority has also cut off much of its funding to the Strip.
Hamas officials say its military wing receives significant support from Iran, although the routes through which these funds are transferred are opaque.
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Bitcoin has faced criticism in the past over underground websites where people have used the currency to buy drugs and guns.
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