Oh, the humanity! "Hamas Budget Nears $1 Billion," by Maayana Miskin for
Israel National News, January 1 (thanks to
Voice of the Copts):
Hamas will spend $897 million in Gaza in 2013 under a budget
approved Monday. The Gaza parliament, dominated by Hamas, voted for the
spending.
Gaza leaders estimate the income for the year at $243 million. The
rest of the money is expected to come from international aid and
donations.
Despite claims of a financial crisis, the Hamas budget has continued
to grow from year to year. A large percent of this year's budget – $244
million – will go to the Interior Ministry, which funds "security
forces" such as the al-Kassam Battalions, recognized internationally as a
terrorist group.
Many donations are not included in the budget. Qatar has pledged to
spend $400 million on construction in the area, money that is not part
of the official budget because Qatar will be overseeing the projects
directly.
Also excluded as direct aid was money spent by the United Nations'
UNRWA agency, which assists PA resident Arabs and Arabs claiming descent
from those who fled Israel during the War of Independence. The group is
expected to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on programs in Gaza
in 2013, including food distribution, summer camps, and schools.
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