Media: Hamas emerges stronger in Gaza despite hardships and destruction

Since the ceasefire came into effect, Hamas has been steadily strengthening its control over the Gaza Strip.

According to Haaretz, citing Israeli military assessments, expectations of widespread resistance against the Hamas regime have not been realised. Despite the severe hardships faced by residents and the extensive destruction over the past two years, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reports no significant signs of popular resistance or mass protests by Palestinians against Hamas.

The Israeli army notes that local clans, which Israel recently attempted to empower as potential political challengers to Hamas, have been significantly weakened. Their members have suffered such losses that they no longer pose a meaningful threat. Public street executions of opponents of the group, as well as Palestinians suspected of collaborating with Israel, have become commonplace.

Israel’s security establishment also observes that throughout the war, Hamas kept thousands of fighters in reserve. Their main task was to reestablish full control of the Gaza Strip immediately after the end of hostilities.

Israeli officials recognise that Hamas now maintains control over the Strip — specifically the area west of the “yellow line,” representing approximately 47% of the territory — including in civil and municipal administration.

To reinforce its authority, Hamas has taken key positions within ministries and municipalities across Gaza. Its police operate without interference, maintaining order, and have even begun operations targeting thieves and criminals who exploit the population’s vulnerable situation.

At present, Israeli security authorities see no force capable of challenging Hamas’s control over the Strip.

Israeli military officials also express concern over the potential entry of Türkiye and its forces into Gaza, fearing this could further strengthen Hamas’s position and provide it with additional protection.

Some foreign teams, tasked with participating in the joint implementation of agreements with Hamas and overseeing compliance with the second phase of the deal, have already arrived in Israel. However, their efforts have yet to yield tangible results. Meetings so far have not resolved the most contentious issues, including rules for the use of force and measures to prevent terrorist attacks in Gaza.

Additionally, it remains unclear which Arab countries will contribute troops to the Gaza Strip as part of multinational forces, and how the composition and coordination of this contingent will be managed with Israel.

By Tamilla Hasanova