Revelations from a BBC investigation have shed new light on the scale of wealth Hamas allegedly concealed in Gaza prior to the October 7 attacks, sparking renewed debate over corruption and aid misuse in the embattled territory.
According to the report, Hamas amassed an estimated $700 million in cash, much of it hidden in its extensive tunnel network, to fund salaries for fighters, employees, and leaders, thereby securing loyalty to its militant campaign. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claim that a significant portion of the stash has since been destroyed, seized, or intercepted, though hundreds of millions more remain in foreign accounts, cryptocurrencies, and offshore holdings.
Since Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from Gaza, the territory has received tens of billions of dollars in international aid reportedly more per capita than any other developing population worldwide. Critics argue this funding could have transformed Gaza into a thriving economic hub akin to Singapore. Instead, much of it has allegedly been funneled into military infrastructure, rockets, and propaganda, leaving civilians trapped in cycles of violence and poverty.
Observers note that both Hamas and rival Palestinian faction Fatah have been accused of large-scale financial corruption, with top leaders amassing personal fortunes while the population remains impoverished and stateless. The disparity has led to calls for greater accountability from Palestinian leadership.
“This isn’t resistance it’s organized theft,” one analyst told Amnewsworld. “The people of Gaza need liberation not just from blockades, but from the corruption that robs them of their future.”
The report has reignited demands for Palestinian leaders to prioritize rebuilding civilian infrastructure, fostering economic opportunities, and steering away from armed conflict.
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