The Israeli Defense Forces have seized more than $1.3 million in cash found inside a pair of suitcases at the home of a senior Hamas member in northern Gaza, officials said. Members of the IDF’s Multidomain Unit were in the active Jabaliya area as they continued advancing in the few remaining strongholds of northern Gaza when they came across the cash, valued at 5 million NIS, the currency used in the Palestinian enclave and Israel, the IDF said. The money was located in the home of a top Hamas member and is equal to the total amount seized from the terrorists from Oct. 7 to the end of November, according to the Israeli military. “These funds—found inside a senior Hamas terrorist’s residence— were designated for terrorist activity,” the IDF wrote on X Monday. “What could this money have been used for? Provisions of clean water, electricity and fuel for the residents of Gaza,” the IDF added, appearing to suggest the money was looted from Gaza’s aid fund. Hamas has long been accused of stealing money donated to Palestinian aid to fund their military wing and to allow its leadership to enjoy lavish lifestyles abroad while civilians struggle. Hamas’ al-Qassam Brigades allegedly has an annual budget of more than $100 million, with another $40 million a year spent on excavating and maintaining the group’s elaborate underground tunnel system, Israeli and Palestinian sources told The Times of Israel. In addition to filling its coffers with stolen aid money, Hamas allegedly makes hundreds of millions of dollars through trade with Iranian partners, cryptocurrency investments, taxes, extortion and even smuggling, US officials told NBC News. Altogether, the terrorist group governing Gaza is believed to have an annual budget of $450 million, with much criticism levied over its apparent lack of investment in civilian infrastructure and quality of life. Israel has long kept a watchful eye on the funds arriving to Gaza since Hamas took over in 2006, with the Jewish state approving of Qatari funds delivered through the United Nations. Hamas representatives have repeatedly claimed that the group separates the finances meant for its military wing and its day-to-day administration of Gaza. Like the first cache of 5 million NIS seized from October through November, the millions found on Monday will likely be absorbed by the Jewish State. Along with the raid on the homes of senior Hamas members in northern Gaza over the weekend, the IDF also infiltrated the offices and vacation homes of other top members in southern Gaza.
IDF finds $1.3 million in cash in suitcases at home of senior Hamas member
