Hamas has been funneling cash—much of which originates in Iran—to Islamic State’s Sinai branch, in exchange for materials it needs for its rockets. And the cooperation doesn’t end there, as Alex Fishman writes:
Egyptian security officials note that it is solely thanks to Hamas’s monetary and professional support of IS in the Sinai that the branch has, in the last few years, turned from a gang of Bedouin with light weapons into a well-trained, well-armed group of 800 militants. IS in the Sinai has been doggedly fighting the Egyptian army and threatening to carry out terror attacks against Israelis close to the border.
Israeli officials believe that if the situation escalates on the Gaza front, both IS in the Sinai and IS in Gaza will aid Hamas in its fight against the IDF. . . .
In exchange for smuggling services and cooperation with Hamas, IS in the Sinai receives not only money but also logistical support. For example, when the group recently had difficulties in transferring its wounded militants to Gaza for treatment, Hamas sent medical teams into the Sinai in order to attend to them there. Hamas has also provided IS in the Sinai with training and sophisticated military equipment.
Read more on Ynet: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4739234,00.html