Shortly before the bombing, the bomber records a video testament and then repeatedly watches it and other videos made by his predecessors. Hamas assures the bombers their deaths will be painless and that dozens of virgins await them in paradise. The average bombing costs about $150 (Hamas, 2009).

Hamas enjoys strong financial backing from Iran an estimated $20 - $30 million along with private benefactors and Muslim charities in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states. Its budget has been estimated at $70 million and 85% of it reportedly comes from abroad. The remaining 15% is raised among Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. A number of Americans and U.S.-based charities have been accused of funneling money to Hamas. It is estimated that Saudi Arabia continues to channel $12 - $14 million to Hamas every year (Hamas Fact Sheet, 2006).

Hamas is believed to have killed more than five hundred...
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