|
Trending Topics
|
Source: http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/templateC05.php?CID=3287
Gaza's Economy: How Hamas Stays in Power
(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Ehud Yaari and Eyal Ofer - Since Israel's August 2005 withdrawal from Gaza, Hamas has evolved into a well-funded conglomerate. From 2006 to 2010, the funds at the group's disposal grew from $40 million to $540 million. At the same time, Hamas has left the main burden of responsibility for Gaza's 1.6 million residents to others. Much of Gaza's per capita GDP derives from payments by the PA. Thus, the PA and international donors are effectively contributing, if indirectly, to Hamas coffers. According to Palestinian banking officials, $2 billion per year has been transferred into Gaza via the Palestinian banking system since Hamas' June 2007 military takeover. The PA alone wires an estimated $1.2 billion per year into Gaza banks, much of it as pensions and salaries for the 77,000 employees kept on the payroll even though they are not working.