Senior officials began receiving only half their salaries during Ramadan, while field operatives—who once earned $200–$300 monthly—now receive even less, if anything.

The organization is financially crippled. Key figures involved in transferring funds have been killed or forced into hiding. The severe economic strain is weakening Hamas’ hold on Gaza, and growing discontent among Palestinian civilians is mounting over continued hardship and war.

Hamas once relied on $15 million in monthly cash transfers from Qatar and raised additional funds from West Africa, South Asia, and the UK, amassing a war chest of about $500 million, mostly stored in Turkey.

Since the war began, Hamas has resorted to drastic measures: seizing $180 million from banks in Gaza, collecting taxes from merchants and checkpoints, and selling stolen humanitarian aid on the black market. They also imported goods with foreign funds, only to resell them locally for cash.

The IDF has severely damaged Hamas’ financial network in two main ways: eliminating key money handlers and political leaders, and halting the flow of humanitarian supplies—cutting off a major income source.

This financial collapse is affecting Hamas’ daily operations, hindering its ability to recruit new fighters and maintain internal cohesion. Protests in Gaza against Hamas are increasing, fueled by the prolonged war and economic hardship.

Adding to the crisis, 56 bank branches and 91 ATMs in Gaza have been destroyed or disabled. With no new Israeli shekel bills entering the Strip in 18 months, locals have resorted to physically cleaning and repairing worn-out currency with tape to keep it in circulation.