Israeli Foreign Minister Warns Hamas Is Using Deceptive Tactics to Maintain Military Control in Gaza
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar issued a sharp warning on Monday about a deceptive maneuver by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Sa'ar revealed that Hamas is attempting to mislead the U.S. administration and the international community by creating an illusion of political change while preserving its military dominance. According to Sa'ar, Hamas aims to replicate a 'Hezbollah model' in Gaza, where a technocratic committee handles municipal services but Hamas retains full military control.
This warning follows a recent announcement by Gaza's Hamas-controlled Ministry of Communications about dissolving the Hamas government. The head of the emergency committee resigned to facilitate transferring Gaza's management to a so-called "technocratic committee." However, senior Israeli officials view this as a symbolic move with no real change, as existing officials and institutions will continue functioning temporarily, with Hamas maintaining control behind the scenes.
Sa'ar emphasized that as long as Hamas holds weapons, any civilian government in Gaza will operate under its directives, allowing Hamas to continue suppressing Palestinians and waging jihad against Israel. He stressed that Israel demands full dismantling of Hamas and other terrorist groups from their power bases in Gaza, in line with the Trump administration's peace plan.
The announcement comes amid reports that a new round of talks involving Palestinian factions, including Hamas, will begin in Cairo within days. Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey are mediating efforts to narrow gaps over implementing the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. Israeli officials dismissed Hamas's recent moves as a meaningless spin designed to buy time and create a false impression of progress.
Meanwhile, Gaza residents continue to express strong support for Hamas, with recent videos showing declarations of commitment to prolonged fighting against Israel, including vows to fight "to the last drop of blood."
