Trump promised that the Gaza Strip would be demobilized, Israel is determined not to give up on the suppression of the terrorist organization – but the picture of the situation on the ground shows that Hamas is recovering • Evidence from Gaza obtained by Reuters shows how the terrorist organization operates • Mass executions, price controls and tax collection are only some of the ways in which he returns the reins of power to his hands
Israel is determined not to give up the war goal of overthrowing Hamas’s reign of terror in Gaza, President Trump anchored the demilitarization of the Strip as a central part of his 20-point plan – but the reality on the ground currently shows the opposite picture. Hamas is quietly returning to control the Strip, while the discussions about the “day after” progress lazily. The Reuters news agency described today (Friday): This is how Hamas is rehabilitated.
Voices from the Strip, obtained by Reuters, reveal the problematic picture of the situation: in Gaza it is reported that Hamas is beginning to re-establish its control over the territory, even in small details such as controlling prices and collecting commissions on certain goods. All this is happening while the American plans for the future of the Strip are progressing slowly, and many doubt whether Hamas really intends to give up power.
After the cease-fire that began a month ago, Hamas quickly returned to control the areas the IDF withdrew from. It quickly established its control by executing dozens of Palestinians it said had collaborated with Israel, stolen or committed other crimes.
“Prices are high, the situation is difficult – and winter is on its way”
According to dozens of Gaza residents, whose testimonies were brought to Reuters, a further strengthening of the terrorist organization’s rule is felt in civilian aspects: supervision of all goods that enter the areas under its control and collection of payments for fuel and cigarettes.
Hamas government spokesman Ismail al-Thawabata denied the claims. According to him, Hamas is only “taking care of urgent humanitarian tasks”, trying to stabilize prices – and is ready to transfer power to a new technocratic government.
Traders and residents in Gaza describe a volatile reality: a government that tries to regulate prices on the one hand, but prices that “go up and down like in the stock market” on the other hand. One of the residents in Nusirat said: “Prices are high, the situation is difficult – and winter is on its way.”
“The more the international community procrastinates – Hamas deepens its grip”
Almost all of Gaza’s two million residents currently live in areas controlled by Hamas. According to Gaith Al-Omari from the Washington Institute, Hamas’ actions are intended to show everyone that it cannot be ignored: “The more the international community procrastinates, the more Hamas deepens its grip.”
The American State Department claims that the various reports on the collection of fees and other signs of rule by the terrorist organization prove why Hamas “cannot and will not rule in Gaza”. According to the procedure for the establishment of the multinational force is progressing, and after the approval of the plan at the UN – a new government will be established in Gaza.
The terrorist organization also managed to fill its ranks: four district governors who were killed were replaced by Hamas, and according to various sources in the organization, replacements were also appointed for the 11 members of the Political Bureau in Gaza who were killed.