Tracking Hamas' finances and what makes them one of the wealthiest terror organizations in the world

As the humanitarian crisis those critical of sending aid argue additional resources won’t make it to the Palestinian people and instead will fuel more terrorism.

Targeting Hamas’ finances to cripple their terror activity has been extremely challenging.

Over the decades, Hamas has evaded a slew of international sanctions by developing a complex multi-pronged, extremely lucrative revenue stream that’s consistently placed them on of the richest terror organizations in the world. Hamas came in number three, only behind Hezbollah and the Taliban. According to Forbes, Hamas is richer than Al-Qaeda and ISIS.

According to the U.S. Treasury, Iran gives Hamas between $100 million and $300 million each year.

Hamas also Gazans, bringing in at least $300 million of tax revenue a year before the current war.

They make money though criminal activity like racketeering and smuggling. Additional funds come from international Muslim charities. Hamas has also siphoned off billions of dollars in humanitarian aid money.

Terrorist groups are the ultimate black box. We have no idea what they’re spending their money on," explained Bruce Hoffman, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Hoffman said one look at the extreme poverty in Gaza shows most of this money never makes it to the Palestinian people.

Hamas’ military budget is annually estimated to be somewhere between $100 and $350 million, I mean that’s where the money is going," he said.

Additional funds appear to have made top Hamas officials billionaires. According to the Israeli government, the top three men are now worth a combined $11 billion as they live in lavish luxury in Qatar.

"There's obviously ample amounts left over that goes to lining individuals' pockets," Hoffman said.

As some try to blame Israel and Egypt’s blockade for the extreme poverty and suffering in Gaza, Hoffman and other experts argue blame for the dire economic conditions lies squarely with their government, Hamas.

Hamas released the first batch of hostages under a that began Friday. The group pledged to free at least 50 of the about 240 hostages taken in the Oct. 7 attack. In exchange, Hamas said Israel would free 150 Palestinian prisoners.