The funding shortage has not paralyzed Jihad activities in the Gaza
Strip. But the sources said Jihad has been forced to curtail missile and
rocket strikes on Israel from the Gaza Strip amid the decline in funding.
"We can still guarantee minimum requirements," Al Nahla said. "The money
reaches the Gaza Strip via the tunnels, just like the weapons."
Iran was said to be the largest donor of Jihad, established in 1987.
Several Gulf Cooperation Council states, particularly Qatar, were said to
have sent funds to Jihad as well.
The sources said Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps has proposed
a joint command of Hamas and Jihad. They said IRGC envisioned Jihad
establishing units in Hamas's military in the Gaza Strip in an effort to
enhance the combat ability of Iran's proxies.
Jihad leaders have been divided over the IRGC proposal. Critics said
Jihad would be eliminated in any merger with Hamas.
The two Islamic movements have argued over Western pressure for a
dialogue with Israel. The sources said Hamas has not ruled out a temporary
ceasefire with Israel, something strenuously opposed by Jihad.
Jihad dissidents said Hamas has sought to dominate the opposition group.
They said Hamas has detained Jihad squads and take over their mosques.
For its part, Hamas has been concerned by the conversion to Shi'ism by
Jihad members. Hamas said Jihad members were adopting Shi'ite Islam in an
effort to secure support from Teheran.
