Hamas financially squeezed between Syria, Iran
Hamas has enjoyed financial support from Iran since its founding in 1987. Until last year, this has worked out well for the group that controls the Palestinian territories.
However, Hamas' support of anti-government rebels in Syria has resulted in a deep division with Iran, which has slashed the money it's been sending although not the weapons that it funnels to the group.
Meanwhile, CNBC says that Hamas isn't totally broke. In addition to raising money through Islamic charities, the region is well known for its black market activity, and Hamas has its hand in the game. CNBC says it "taxes" those who who smuggle goods from Egypt and occasionally double-dips by taxing for the use of the tunnels, as well as a levy on the smuggled items.
Read the entire story on CNBC.com.
