The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has released internal documents allegedly originating from Hamas, accusing the organization of adopting a systematic policy of embezzling much of the humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip amid the war. According to Israeli authorities, Hamas withheld between 15% and 25% of supplies to fund its operations and pay its fighters.

As stated in a strategic planning document attributed to Hamas, “Al-Qassam (the military wing of the organization) previously received 25% of the aid that arrived. It has been agreed with the brothers in Al Qassam that the percentages will be redistributed as follows: 7% to Al Qassam, 4% to government agencies, 4% to movement cadres.”

Humanitarian seizures and civilian complaints

According to the IDF, Hamas either distributed the supplies directly to its fighters in the field or resold them at exorbitant prices, reaping huge profits.

Among the documents released was a letter from a Gaza resident from the Rimal neighborhood to a senior Hamas official. In the letter, dated March 2024, Idris Abdel Rahman Idris complains that members of Hamas internal security confiscated from his brother’s truck 17 sacks of flour and 15 aid vouchers intended for his family. “We have a complete list of the names of the recipients and hope the aid will be returned to the rightful beneficiaries,” he said.

Internal reactions and anger in Gaza

The documents also reveal internal turmoil within Hamas over its handling of the humanitarian crisis and the discontent of the population, especially in northern Gaza. Residents hid supplies to avoid confiscation, and in some cases Hamas fighters in the Beit Hanoun area reportedly supported demonstrations calling for a ceasefire.

An internal document from the organization said that “some members continue to speak out against the movement, claiming that the organization bears the main responsibility for the destruction in Gaza and the collapse of living conditions.”

Cigarette smuggling and financing through Turkey

Hamas, according to the Israeli military, also attempted to smuggle cigarettes for the purpose of selling them at exorbitant prices. Israel banned the import of cigarettes for this reason and thwarted dozens of attempts to smuggle them into Gaza.

As the Israelis add, Hamas’ funding was also based on protection rackets, as well as on the system of informal international financial flows through members of the organization in Turkey.

According to the Israeli security agency Shin Bet, Hamas has made a total of hundreds of millions of dollars by embezzling humanitarian aid during the war.