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Hamas tightens grip on Gaza post-ceasefire
Four months after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire halted the Gaza war, Hamas has reclaimed control over security, taxation, and civil services, raising doubts about its willingness to disarm as required under Donald Trump's peace plan.
Security and governance
Activists and residents report Hamas police and security forces have returned to the streets, enforcing law and order while targeting alleged collaborators and dissenters. Mohammed Diab, a Gaza-based activist, stated the group now controls over 90% of its operational areas.
"Citizens must now approach Hamas authorities for identity documents, healthcare, and legal matters," Diab said. "The judiciary and courts are also back under their oversight."
Economic leverage
Market vendors describe daily patrols by Hamas officials demanding taxes and fees. One stallholder in Gaza City, displaced from Shujaiya, said municipal agents threaten eviction if payments aren't made.
"They want 700 shekels ($225) we can't afford. Should I pay them or feed my 12 children?"
Traders importing goods from Israel face similar pressure. A wholesaler, speaking anonymously, revealed Hamas imposes taxes starting at 20,000 shekels ($6,500), using force or kidnappings to enforce compliance. Payments are made in cash to avoid detection, with traders using code words to discuss transactions.
Hamas's stance
Spokesman Hazem Qassem defended the measures as necessary during Gaza's state of emergency, accusing some traders of profiteering. "This is a governmental matter, not linked to Hamas," he said.
However, Israel alleges the group is using revenue to rebuild its military capabilities. IDF spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani warned, "Hamas views the ceasefire as a chance to regroup. Disarmament is non-negotiable."
Disarmament deadlock
Trump's peace plan requires Hamas to surrender weapons, but negotiations over logistics-including who would receive the arms and how disarmament would be verified-remain unresolved. Qassem suggested a compromise could align with U.S. demands while addressing Gaza's security needs.
Yet Hamas's deep-rooted membership and ideological opposition to Israel complicate full disarmament. Some factions reportedly demand the right to retain personal weapons for self-defense.
Power struggles
After the ceasefire, Hamas cracked down on rival clans exploiting the chaos, releasing footage of summary executions. Meanwhile, an international stabilization force and a Palestinian technocratic council-intended to govern Gaza-remain stalled.
Diab noted Hamas's recent government appointments, which Qassem dismissed as minor administrative hires. Critics suspect the moves aim to retain influence in any future administration.
Hamas's involvement in evacuating medical patients through the Rafah Crossing further signals its intent to maintain control, despite the process being designed without its input.
Future of Trump's plan
The U.S. is pressing ahead, with ground cleared near Rafah for housing 200,000 Gazans in Israeli-held areas. Few have crossed over, wary of being seen as collaborating with Israel. Yet as Gaza's population remains Hamas's primary source of revenue and authority, the battle for civilian loyalty may be just beginning.
