Haaretz: Hamas Regains Control Over Gaza Covertly

The Hebrew newspaper "Haaretz" shed light on Hamas's covert restoration of control over the Gaza Strip, describing the movement's control as "without functioning but also without collapsing."

The newspaper stated that "U.S. President Donald Trump's statements regarding the imminent formation of a peace council and the start of multinational force operations did not impress Gaza residents, who have been living without an effective government or clear prospects since the ceasefire announcement. The reality on the ground has shown them that even if Trump's plans are implemented, it will be slow and accompanied by delays that could extend for several months."

It quoted Gaza residents saying that "Hamas, in areas not under Israel's full control, succeeds in maintaining a degree of order," adding that "among the rubble of homes and destroyed roads, there is no chaos, but life is still far from normal, and Hamas is far from imposing its full control."

The newspaper reported that "the movement acts in a demonstrative manner; it does not wave flags or fill public spaces with slogans, but it is present at intersections and checkpoints," noting that "Hamas shows a clear security presence, but it lacks the ability to govern, and tries to maintain order amid deep and ongoing civilian destruction."

According to the newspaper, Hamas still rules, but not in the familiar sense of sovereign governance; it still manages tax mechanisms and controls internal trade, but it is not an effective government, does not provide broad public services, does not have organized budgets, and does not pay salaries.

It continued: "Local authorities in northern and central Gaza, as well as in Gaza City, operate with almost non-existent resources. Using the few available bulldozers and heavy equipment, they repair some roads here and there, open a temporary water crossing, and restore some infrastructure, but they are incapable of repairing the destruction."

It confirmed that "most engineering work focuses on searching for the bodies of the missing under the rubble. Meanwhile, since the ceasefire, Hamas has been combating those who exploited the war for profit, and some merchants and criminals involved in crime are trying to leave the Gaza Strip."

It added, however: "But the phenomenon of looting and petty theft that was common at the beginning of the war has almost disappeared," according to talks it conducted with Gaza residents.