Security establishment to political echelon: Hamas is strengthening under the cover of the ceasefire
In recent days, the security establishment has warned about the strengthening of the terrorist organization. Data regarding Hamas's civil control in the Gaza Strip shows that most government ministries and municipalities within the 'yellow line' have returned to full operation. Hamas is collecting taxes, controlling markets, and conducting smuggling to fortify its rule.
The security establishment has warned the political echelon that Hamas is succeeding in restoring its control in the Gaza Strip under the cover of the ceasefire. Most government ministries have returned to full operation, as have all Hamas-affiliated municipalities within the 'yellow line'. The terrorist organization is strengthening through various civil systems and is imposing its economic authority on everything happening in Gaza.
The security establishment warned: Hamas is carrying out a deception. A political shift is needed to lead to an operational change.
In recent days, the security establishment has presented documents to the political echelon detailing Hamas's successes in restoring governance. The renewed control over public order and the deepening of management capabilities allow Hamas to strengthen its public image and fortify its rule at the municipal level.
Two figures revealed on Wednesday illustrate the extent of Hamas's strengthening:
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15 out of 17 government ministries have fully resumed operations.
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14 out of 25 Hamas-affiliated municipalities have fully resumed operations (the other 11 operated outside the 'yellow line').
Furthermore, the security establishment pointed to the strengthening of the organization in several civil systems:
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Direct taxation: Inspection of trucks and the collection of a 15% to 30% tax from merchants.
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Market control: Forcing merchants to sell scarce goods at regulated prices, allowing Hamas to profit.
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Smuggling: Both for military needs and the entry of prohibited products.
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Collection of fees: Market rent, business license renewals, and stall operations.
"Hamas is carrying out a deception: it nods that it is open to cooperation on the path to dismantling, but acts to strengthen and build up in all systems. A political shift is needed that will lead to an operational change, because in this way, there is only one party that benefits," senior security officials stated.
