Rafah Mayor: Hamas Authority Collapsed, Leaving Cities to Fend for Themselves
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
The Mayor of Rafah, Dr. Ahmed Al-Sufi, stated that Hamas governance in Gaza has collapsed, forcing local mayors to manage cities independently from makeshift locations. Approximately 170,000 displaced people in Rafah lack basic infrastructure amid severe aid shortages and fears of winter. Communication between mayors occurs via messaging apps, while Hamas police presence has diminished due to airstrikes.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rafah Mayor Dr. Ahmed Al-Sufi is managing the city from a tent due to Hamas's collapsed governance.
- Gaza's central authority is nonexistent, with a technocratic committee considering resignation.
- 170,000 displaced individuals in Rafah lack basic infrastructure and services.
- Mayors communicate via messaging apps while facing severe aid shortages and winter concerns.
- Hamas police are occasionally seen but have suffered heavy casualties from airstrikes.
The traditional Hamas governance in the Gaza Strip has collapsed and is no longer functioning as it did, according to local officials. With the central authority in Gaza effectively nonexistent and a technocratic committee based in Cairo reportedly considering resignation due to inaction, mayors on the ground are struggling to support residents independently.
Dr. Ahmed Al-Sufi, the Mayor of Rafah, is managing the city from a tent in the former Gush Katif area, alongside temporary municipal offices. This area alone houses approximately 170,000 displaced individuals who lack basic infrastructure, roads, and a regular water supply. Despite these challenges, mayors maintain communication through messaging apps like WhatsApp.
A sense of chaos and partial abandonment prevails in Gaza. While Hamas police are occasionally seen, they have suffered significant casualties from airstrikes. Residents and local leadership are facing a severe shortage of aid trucks entering Gaza and are deeply concerned about the approaching winter.
One report mentions a militia leader in Gaza stating they are building Rafah as an area outside Hamas control and have established schools. Another related item notes the Prime Minister's office responding to accusations from the Peace Council regarding the situation in Gaza, with the council criticizing Israel's response as insufficient.