The Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reported Saturday that Hamas is facing what could be the "most severe" crisis since it was officially founded in 1987. According to the paper, the terrorist organization is grappling with financial turmoil in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. In Gaza, reports also point to a clear drop in public support.
Sources within Hamas told Asharq Al-Awsat that the group has never experienced such a situation. Economically, they described difficulties in paying the salaries of civil servants in Gaza, members of its military wing, and operatives across its various branches.
Over the past four months, civil servants reportedly received only 900 shekels in total (about $240), leading to widespread discontent. Budgets for ministries and even various internal committees have been almost entirely cut. The sources noted that the terrorist operatives in the military wing have not been paid in nearly three months and are struggling to obtain weaponry. Additionally, the families of deceased, wounded, or detained terrorists have stopped receiving stipends. On an administrative level, sources cited a clear vacuum in leadership following a wave of assassinations.
Despite these issues, the newspaper reported that the military wing continues to operate at a certain capacity. Regarding Hamas' activity in the West Bank, sources said the group's operations are hampered by Israeli and Palestinian Authority crackdowns. According to the report, Hamas has lost numerous cells and funding sources. These cells were reportedly meant to carry out terrorist attacks, but their operations were limited to "a small number," with the operatives either arrested or eliminated.
The Saudi daily added that the deteriorating situation in Gaza appears to have also contributed to declining support for Hamas in the West Bank. Meanwhile, abroad, the group is not believed to be facing significant financial or administrative issues - except in Lebanon, where its emissary is under pressure from authorities to disarm.
Hamas sources acknowledged to the newspaper that "the situation is extremely difficult and devastating." Nonetheless, they claimed the organization could recover after the war ends, even if it takes a long time. They added that Hamas still has financial capabilities, but the war is forcing it to operate under a different reality.
