Hamas Maintains Full Control Over Gaza Despite Israeli Military Presence and Protest Calls
Recent reports reveal that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) currently control approximately 70% of the Gaza Strip through engineering operations aimed at locating and neutralizing terrorist infrastructure both above and below ground. These efforts are intended to push threats away from the so-called "yellow line," a security boundary. Meanwhile, a campaign circulated on Arabic social media pages affiliated with Fatah called for protests against Hamas on June 26, focusing on Gaza's harsh living conditions and delays in advancing the second phase of an agreement, blaming Hamas leadership for the situation.
Hamas closely monitored this campaign and prepared to suppress the planned protests by intensifying deterrence measures, including public executions of suspected collaborators with Israel. The group also launched a counter-campaign urging demonstrations against Israel and the UN envoy Nikolay Mladenov due to stalled mediation talks. Israeli military assessments suggest Hamas encouraged protests near the "yellow line" to challenge Israeli control but successfully deterred public demonstrations through armed security forces threatening the population.
After three years of intense conflict between the IDF and Hamas, the militant group has solidified its rule over Gaza, demonstrating its ability to intimidate the population and maintain authority despite challenges from armed Bedouin militias and ongoing Israeli air and ground operations. The lack of public opposition from Gaza's two million residents underscores Hamas's entrenched control, despite the destruction and hardship it has caused.
This reality poses a significant obstacle to efforts by the technocratic Palestinian government and American actors aiming to create terror-free zones in Gaza. Analysts warn that any reconstruction efforts may inadvertently strengthen Hamas's grip by rebuilding not only infrastructure but also its military and security apparatus, which enforces control through fear and violence.
The IDF continues to conduct targeted strikes against terrorist sites deep within Gaza and has approved renewed operational plans should mediation efforts fail and Hamas refuses to disarm. This situation highlights the complex and unresolved nature of governance and security in Gaza amid ongoing conflict and political stalemate.
