CSA Report Sheds Light on Hamas Funding and Geopolitical Implications
Analysis reveals key financial sources, including Qatar, and offers policy recommendations to address funding and security concerns
A destroyed home in Kibbutz Be’eri in southern Israel following the Hamas massacre on October 7th, 2023/ Photo: Ilia Yefimovich/dpa via Reuters Connect
The Council for a Secure America (CSA) has released a comprehensive and continuously updated report on the Israel-Hamas war, covering the period from October 7, 2023, through at least February 2025. This report compiles information from over 80 sources, including media outlets, government data, expert analyses, and public opinion surveys, to provide a detailed account of the conflict's developments and implications.
The CSA report offers a phase-by-phase analysis of the war, beginning with the October 7 attacks and extending through Israel's military responses. It examines the geopolitical factors leading up to the conflict, the role of Iran in supporting Hamas and other proxy groups, and the broader regional implications, including the impact on the Abraham Accords and rising global antisemitism.
Funding and Financial Networks
A significant focus of the report is on Hamas's funding mechanisms. It highlights the organization's estimated annual budget in Gaza, ranging between $2 and $3 billion, with at least $500 million reportedly provided by the "Hamas Charity Coalition" and various investment entities.
The report underscores the challenges in tracking these funds, noting that much of the financial support flows through a network of charities and nonprofits, some of which operate in the United States under the 501(c) system. Additionally, Qatar plays a key role in Hamas’s financial network, providing substantial funds that are often framed as humanitarian aid but have raised concerns over their diversion to terror activities. The report calls for stricter oversight and vetting processes to prevent such occurrences.
The report also discusses concerns about U.S. government funds inadvertently supporting Hamas-linked entities. It references findings that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated significant grants to organizations operating in Gaza, some of which have been linked to Hamas. The report calls for stricter oversight and vetting processes to prevent such occurrences.
Public Opinion and Policy Recommendations
The CSA report incorporates data from surveys conducted in Israel, revealing shifts in public opinion following the October 7 attacks. Key findings include a significant decrease in support for a two-state solution and a strong endorsement of the U.S.-Israel alliance. The report suggests that these shifts should inform U.S. policymakers in their approach to Middle East policy and support for Israel.
Based on its findings, the CSA report recommends several policy actions:
-Enhanced Oversight: Implement stricter monitoring of U.S. aid to ensure funds do not reach Hamas or affiliated organizations.
-Support for the Abraham Accords: Encourage and expand normalization agreements between Israel and Arab nations to promote regional stability.
-Energy Security: Pursue U.S. energy independence to reduce reliance on Middle Eastern oil, thereby limiting financial resources available to hostile actors like Iran.
Conclusion
The CSA's report serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the multifaceted aspects of the Israel-Hamas conflict. By compiling diverse sources and providing in-depth analysis, it offers valuable insights into the war's progression, funding channels, and broader geopolitical consequences. The report's recommendations aim to guide policymakers in addressing the challenges posed by the conflict and in reinforcing the U.S.-Israel relationship.
The Council for a Secure America (CSA) is a U.S.-based non-profit organization founded by oil executive Harold Hamm and prominent members of the American Jewish community. While the organization describes itself as non-partisan, it is generally considered right-leaning due to its strong support for fossil fuel-based energy independence, robust U.S.-Israel relations, and alignment with conservative foreign policy priorities. CSA focuses on promoting energy security as a cornerstone of national security and strengthening the strategic alliance between the United States and Israel.