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Hamas Gains Allure in Gaza, but Money Is a Problem
(New York Times) Steven Erlanger - Hamas has been riding high of late, after its professed victory in the recent conflict with Israel. Nevertheless, its increasing demands on the impoverished population of Gaza are stirring resentments. Hamas' break with Syria has meant a sharp cut in the financing it received from Iran. In response, Hamas has raised taxes and fees considerably. Construction workers, who 20 years ago earned $65 to $80 a day in Israel, now earn around $13 a day. Hamas needs money for the Qassam Brigades, which some experts estimate at 20,000 men. The brigade has been active in the building of secret underground fortifications. During the fighting with Israel last month, there were few Hamas fighters or leaders to be seen: they were all somewhere underground or in hiding in what Israel considers to be an intricate system of tunnels and bunkers modeled on those built with Iranian guidance by Hizbullah in southern Lebanon. Hamas is also building massive and lavish mosques everywhere (with fortified basements for Hamas members to hide during airstrikes, residents say).