Drooid Logo
Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Hamas Turns Aid Into Cash, Taxes Gaza Markets

5/18/2026

40 6 Full Breakdown

1 of 1

Story summary
  • Israeli intelligence says Hamas converts foreign aid into cash by buying Gaza market goods and reselling them, bypassing U.S. and Israeli sanctions.
  • The Israeli Defense Forces report Hamas governs Gaza, taxes merchants, runs checkpoints covering about 40 % of the area, and retains its weapons.
  • Security sources note most external aid, mainly from Iran, goes to Hamas’s military wing, while local taxes fund its administration and resale prices enforced by violence.