Video released Thursday by Hamas-affiliated channels shows its fighters assaulting merchants in Khan Younis who refused to accept cash.
The footage shows members of Hamas’s Sahm Unit striking traders with clubs and kicking them while bystanders watched. The violence occurs as Israel readies a ground offensive aimed at capturing Gaza City.
The reign of the terror of Hamas continues
This video was filmed yesterday in Khan Younis. It shows how Hamas police mercilessly beat Gazan merchants. Let me give you the context: Hamas police announced a few days ago that starting from September 1st, they will punish anyone who… pic.twitter.com/083r2JgCTz— N B (@lovelynancie) September 4, 2025
A Hamas statement said the unit had taken “decisive measures against dozens of cash traders and commission-takers.” The video shows crowds of onlookers cheering as the merchants are attacked.
The incident follows a September 1 order from Hamas police requiring all merchants to accept any banknotes or coins that were not counterfeit, regardless of condition. The group issued the directive to maintain cash circulation amid Gaza’s economic struggles, including bank closures and a shortage of usable currency.
Israeli news outlet Ynet said cash in Gaza has become as scarce as food, fuel, and medicine. With most banks closed, residents are forced to rely on cash traders charging steep fees.
“Some commissions, which stood at about 5% when the war began, have now climbed to nearly 50%. Even existing banknotes are losing value; with no new supply of shekels from Israel, businesses refuse to accept worn bills, making crumpled cash effectively worthless,” Ynet said in its report.
