Elliptic Debunks Claims of Substantial Crypto Funding to Hamas
On October 25, 2023, blockchain analytics firm Elliptic released a statement clarifying misconceptions surrounding the extent of cryptocurrency funding received by Hamas. The firm emphasized the absence of substantial evidence supporting claims that Hamas has garnered significant crypto donations. This follows heightened scrutiny on cryptocurrency's role in financing terrorism, especially in the wake of the tragic incidents on October 7, orchestrated by Hamas.
Elliptic's clarification comes amidst a wave of reports suggesting that cryptocurrencies have become a substantial financing tool for Hamas. On October 10, a narrative was fueled by an article in the Wall Street Journal, titled “Hamas Militants Behind Israel Attack Raised Millions in Crypto”. This narrative gained traction when, on October 17, over a hundred US lawmakers referenced the article in a letter to the White House and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, asserting that Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) raised over $130 million in cryptocurrencies between August 2021 and June 2023, a claim Elliptic argues lacks evidentiary backing.
Analysis indicates that public crypto fundraising campaigns by Hamas have not received substantial donations. The disclosure reveals that Gaza Now, a pro-Hamas news outlet, only received $21,000 in cryptocurrency donations since October 7, with $2,000 being sent to an exchange on October 9, and around $9,000 in stablecoin donations being frozen by Tether. This contrasts starkly with the reported $130 million figure cited by lawmakers.
Historically, Hamas sought Bitcoin donations starting in 2019, peaking during the May 2021 regional violence outbreak. However, by April 2023, the group ceased public crypto fundraising,
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