Hamas Losing Grip on Gaza, Controls Only 20% of Territory
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Hamas is losing control over Gaza, with the organization now effectively governing only 17% to 20% of the territory, according to a report citing sources within Hamas. Israel controls about 67% of Gaza, while Hamas struggles to assert authority in remaining areas and faces strengthening local militias. The group is attempting to maintain influence through humanitarian initiatives, with its main power base now in central Gaza.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hamas effectively controls only 17% to 20% of Gaza, according to a Saudi newspaper report.
- Israel currently controls approximately 67% of the Gaza Strip's territory.
- Hamas struggles to enforce authority even in areas not under Israeli control.
- The organization is reportedly facing strengthening local militias supported by Israel.
- Hamas's central power base is now located in the central Gaza Strip.
Hamas is gradually losing its grip on the Gaza Strip and struggling to enforce its authority even in areas not under Israeli control, according to a report in the Saudi newspaper Al-Sharq Al-Awsat. The report, based on sources within Hamas and other terror organizations in Gaza, indicates that Israel currently controls approximately 67% of the Strip's territory. However, Hamas is failing to establish full control even in the remaining areas beyond the "blue line" (referring to the pre-2005 Israeli withdrawal lines). A Palestinian source quoted in the paper estimates that the territory where Hamas effectively holds sway has shrunk to only 17% to 20% of Gaza's total area.
Sources speaking to the newspaper admitted that the organization faces difficulties in controlling large parts of the Strip, even in areas where the IDF does not have direct control. Despite its weakening hold on the ground, Hamas continues to work to preserve its influence among the local population. To this end, the organization is promoting humanitarian initiatives to maintain its status and presence among Gaza residents. Concurrently, Hamas is contending with the strengthening of local militias reportedly supported by Israel. According to the report, Hamas operatives are conducting ambushes aimed at disrupting these militias' activities and preventing their establishment in the territory.
Residents of the Strip reported that Hamas operatives continue to operate west of Salah al-Din Street and in areas beyond the "blue line," even though the organization does not have full control in all these territories. Hamas's central power base currently remains in the central Gaza Strip, where its security mechanisms continue to operate and where the organization maintains a significant hold compared to other parts of the Strip.
