Synopsis "Hamas' Benefactors: A Network of Terror"
Hamas is designated by the U.S. as a foreign terrorist organization. It is a non-state actor, which is dependent upon outside funding and support. Hamas' military capacity, including arms, rockets, methods of combat, and general funding, is largely provided by Iran. Repeatedly, the Israelis have intercepted shipments of Iranian arms en route to the Gaza strip. Turkey, a U.S. and NATO ally, is known to harbor several of Hamas' top operatives. Turkey also provides financial, material, and political support for Hamas. In 2011, Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan said, "Hamas is not a terrorist organization. It is a political party." Turkey isn't the only U.S. ally, or at least U.S. partner, that has been known to harbor Hamas leadership and provide the terrorist group with funds. Qatar, which the administration entrusted to monitor the Taliban five, who were swapped for Sergeant Bergdahl, is perhaps the largest financial patron of Hamas. Qatar also harbor Hamas figurehead Khaled Meshaal. In 2011, the Emir of Qatar visted Gaza and pledged over $400 million of infrastructure money to Hamas. Qatar funds Hamas' strikes in Gaza, as well as its project, building terror tunnels from which to attack Israel. Cutting off the funds that go to Hamas and other terror groups is the first step to taking down those terrorist groups and countering their radical ideologies.
