U.S. bills
U.S. billsIsrael news photo: Flash 90

The Fatah-linked website Al-Kufiyeh Faras has accused Hamas of using imports into Gaza from Egypt to conceal money laundering. In addition, Hamas has deliberately imported counterfeit  money and is using it to pay its workers, the site charged.

The Rafiah crossing between Gaza and Egypt was re-opened this past June after three years in which it had been closed following the Hamas militia war that ousted the rival Fatah movement. The crossing has been used for additional imports, beyond those that enter Gaza via Israeli-controlled crossings in the Negev.

According to Al-Kufiyeh, the imports coming through Egypt are used as a cover. Hamas makes deals with importers under which it pays for goods purchased in China, and the importers reimburse it using "clean" money.

The site reported that Hamas has also imported millions of counterfeit United States dollars from Iran in order to get around its currency shortage. The fake dollars have been used to pay government employees, the site said. Hamas is reportedly planning to use the fake money as valid currency within Gaza.

Gaza is facing a currency shortage because most international banks refuse to deal with the terrorist movement. Hamas receives cash from Iran.

Hamas also makes money from the Rafiah crossing by imposing a 14.5 percent tax on imports. Some Gaza businessmen have charged the terrorist group with profiting from restrictions on Gaza trade – imposed in response to Hamas attacks – by upping taxes and using the earnings to buy Gaza property and compete with private businesses.