The Hamas organization in Gaza is reportedly facing a severe financial crisis as Israeli military operations intensify.

Reports indicate that Hamas has stopped paying salaries to many of its government employees. Even high-ranking officials only received half their usual Ramadan pay. Fighters, who once earned $200 to $300 monthly, are struggling to get paid as the IDF increases pressure, and humanitarian aid has been disrupted since the ceasefire ended.

According to Dr. Michael Milstein from Tel Aviv University, while financial problems are growing, Hamas members are primarily driven by ideology, not money. “It’s not just about a paycheck,” Milstein stated. “Hamas supplies essential resources like food, water, and medical care, which is critical in Gaza today.” He added that Hamas has overcome similar financial challenges in the past.

Milstein also noted, “The IDF recently killed the commander of the Sajia area for the fifth time. A new battalion commander takes his place. Hamas continues to replenish its ranks. On October 7, Hamas had 25,000 fighters, and it maintains a similar number despite losing approximately 20,000. They are managing with less experienced fighters, including children recruited from refugee camps, but there are always enough people in Gaza. Weapons, excluding rockets, are readily available, including RPGs, explosives, and rifles.”

Gazan political analyst Mkhaimar Abusada, currently at Northwestern University, believes Hamas will likely recover. “Hamas has survived nearly two decades of external financial pressure,” Abusada said. “They have evaded sanctions by using black market activities and taxing merchants.” Abusada suggested that while money may not motivate Hamas fighters, the financial pressure will make their operations more difficult but not cause the group to collapse.

According to a Wall Street Journal article, Qatar previously provided Hamas with $15 million monthly, which helped them accumulate a stockpile of about $500 million, largely stored in Turkey. However, Hamas now has limited access to these funds and must rely on new income sources, such as black market activities and taxes. “Hamas continues to navigate around Israeli, U.S., and international sanctions through illicit financial flows relatively easily,” Abusada stated.

Amid the financial difficulties, protests against Hamas are gaining momentum. Demonstrations in Gaza City and surrounding areas, initially small, are calling for an end to Hamas’s rule, with some protesters chanting, “Hamas out!” Abusada noted that these protests, which started as anti-war and anti-Israel, now include anti-Hamas slogans. Hamas has responded violently. “Hamas has made it clear that dissent will be suppressed,” he said, adding that some protesters have been tortured to death for their involvement.

“The level of hatred among Gazans has increased dramatically since October 7,” said Milstein, “and it is directed towards both Israel and Hamas, both of whom are seen as evil.”

Milstein explained that while the protests indicate unrest, they lack leadership and organization. “Hamas has violently suppressed these protests, and if this continues, they may fade away,” he said, referencing a recent protest in Beit Lahiya that quickly diminished.

Reports indicate that more Palestinians, including hundreds with dual citizenship, are leaving Gaza for Europe through Ramon Airport. This is part of Israel Katz’s Ministry of Defense plan to encourage those who wish to permanently relocate, aligning with his vision for the relocation of Gazans.

“The destruction of homes, schools, and hospitals, combined with a lack of basic necessities, has driven many to leave Gaza,” Abusada stated. “However, options are limited, as Europe is not open to a large influx of refugees from Gaza.”

Abusada further explained that many leaving Gaza hold dual citizenship or have European residency. “This is not voluntary migration,” he said. “Living in a war zone for 18 months without infrastructure has compelled many Palestinians to seek a better life elsewhere.”

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