"Exporting terror"

Iran allegedly paid millions to Hamas leader

Jihia Al Sinwar is the political leader of the Hamas terrorist organization and is considered the mastermind behind terrorist attacks.

(Bild: AFP )

Even four months after the major attack on Israel by the Hamas terrorist organization, there is still no trace of the group's leader, Jihia Al Sinwar. Now the Israeli army has apparently succeeded in finding evidence of a direct connection between Iran and the 61-year-old. The Hamas leader, who is believed to have directed the massacre, is said to have received millions of US dollars from the Islamic Republic.

Israel's military reported that they had discovered documents in the extensive tunnel system under the Gaza Strip that prove the flow of money between Iran and Hamas. "This is another example of how Iran exports terror in the Middle East," said military spokesman Daniel Hagari.

"Exported terror is a global problem"
The soldiers had discovered documents proving transfers amounting to more than 150 million US dollars (around 140 million euros) from Iran to Hamas and Sinwar. Documents as well as photos of envelopes and cash were published - but these could not yet be independently verified. "The terror that Iran exports and causes is a global problem," explained Hagari. The information would also be passed on to Israel's partners for verification, the spokesperson explained.

Millions in cash discovered in vault
A safe containing banknotes and bags with more than 20 million shekels (approx. five million euros) was also discovered in an underground room. "This is a recurring phenomenon - large sums of cash kept in organized underground storage facilities for the personal use of high-ranking Hamas officials," says Hagari. The Hamas leaders would use the money for their personal survival and that of their families underground.

Israel has been Iran's declared arch-enemy since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Alongside other militias such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, Hamas is part of the so-called Axis of Resistance.