A recent Palestinian Authority (PA) report accuses Hamas of financial exploitation in Gaza, worsening poverty among residents. Official PA sources claim Hamas seizes 28% of workers’ salaries, including those from PA employees and individuals receiving funds from family abroad.
According to a journalist from Deir Al-Balah, cash shortages force citizens to give up a significant portion of their pay. “They take more than a quarter of the salary,” the journalist noted.
Humanitarian Aid Mismanagement
The PA also condemns Hamas for mishandling international aid. An editorial in Al-Hayat Al-Jadida alleges that relief goods are monopolized by Hamas and sold at inflated prices on the black market. The struggle for essentials like affordable bread has become a daily battle for Gazans, compounding their hardships beyond the immediate dangers of conflict.
Aid Diverted for Military Use
During the 2023 Gaza conflict, reports indicated that humanitarian aid was frequently redirected by Hamas to fund military activities instead of civilian support. This diversion of resources has left many residents unable to access basic necessities while poverty continues to escalate.
The PA’s findings underscore how Hamas’ financial practices and aid mismanagement deepen the struggles of Gaza’s population, leaving them in a cycle of economic hardship and deprivation.
