Named a terrorist group by the U.S., the EU, several countries and international organizations (excluding China, Russia, and Turkey), Hamas rules the Gaza strip but is financially restricted by heavy sanctions imposed for their support of terrorism and refusal to acknowledge the state of Israel. Although they receive financing from Iran, the group’s armed wing has called for supporters to support them with Bitcoin. Their mechanism of choice for receiving the Bitcoin has not yet been announced. The announcement marks the first time that the organization has called for funding through cryptocurrency channels and its success could contribute negatively to the reputation of cryptocurrency as a boost to illicit activities.
Source: Hamas calls for supporters to send bitcoins | Israeli–Palestinian conflict News | Al Jazeera
