Estimates suggest some of Hamas's leaders have a net worth in the billions. Israel and other critics accuse the group of spending money on luxuries instead of helping the people of GazaConditions in the Gaza Strip have long been dire, with the territory referred to by some as the world's 'largest open air prison'.
And while the majority of citizens in the densely populated territory - which is a quarter of the size of Greater London - languish in poverty, a select few live in marble-floored mansions and luxury hotels. It took power in 2006, with its political leader Ismail Haniyeh assuming the role of Prime Minister that year. It remains in control of the territory to this day, and - having called no elections since - is essentially an authoritarian regime.
'While Gazans are deprived of basic needs, Hamas uses aid & funds to line their own pockets,' the embassy said in a post on X . Hamas took power over Gaza in 2006, with its political leader Ismail Haniyeh assuming the role of Prime Minister that year. It remains in control of the territory to this day, and - having called no elections since - is essentially an authoritarian regime
Bild reports that he often jets between Tehran, Istanbul, Moscow and Cairo in his private jet to meet leaders in friendly nations, and two of his sons Maaz and Abdel Salam are often seen in Instagram posts lounging on hotel beds in Istanbul or Doha. When he fled Syria, Bild reports, he is said to have taken $1.5 billion from Hamas's headquarters in Damascus. Israel's US embassy puts his net worth at $4 billion.
He is one of the terror group's most important financial managers, and has been on the US sanctions list since 2022 on account of being 'involved in directing Hamas operations and key positions in several Hamas-controlled companies, including Sudan-based Agrogate Holding and Turkey-based Trend GYO.'
While some estimates of Hamas's wealth are more conservative, there is no question they have amassed vast amounts of wealth. Historically, Palestinian expats and private benefactors in the Middle East provided much of the group's funding, in addition to some Islamic charities in the West. Today, Iran is one of Hamas's biggest donors. The country - a sworn enemy of Israel - contributes funds, weapons and military training to the group.