Militia Leaders Reveal Why Hamas Will Not Disarm Amid Gaza Power Struggle

In the Gaza Strip, three main power centers currently operate: the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), controlling buffer zones and strategic routes; Hamas, aiming to maintain its military and political dominance; and local militias seeking to establish themselves as alternative forces. Central to the conflict is the issue of weaponry. Israel demands that Hamas not rearm, while Hamas refuses to relinquish its arms.

Militia leaders interviewed by ynet stated there is no chance Hamas will disarm. Hossam al-Astal, head of the Khan Yunis militia, said Hamas fears being killed by the population if it surrenders its weapons, making any disarmament agreement impossible. Rassan al-Dahini, leader of the Abu Shabab militia, echoed this, asserting Hamas will not give up its arms and that militias will also demand weapons held by clans that supported Hamas by hiding arms. He warned that if Israel holds elections without a significant conflict with Hamas, it would be seen as weakness and a de facto peace with Hamas.

After about 30 hours of relative calm, fighting resumed on Monday in Gaza. Palestinian reports indicated two people were killed and several injured in an IDF drone strike on a vehicle near Al-Rashid Street in southwest Gaza City, alongside artillery fire in other areas. Hamas continues to push mediators, including Nikolay Mladenov, to enforce a ceasefire and implement the second phase of the truce agreement. A senior Hamas official said the group and other Palestinian factions remain committed to the agreement and await a clear response from mediators.

Meanwhile, the IDF continues operations in strategic areas to pressure Hamas and expand security zones. Palestinian sources claim the IDF has recently shifted the "yellow line," the boundary between Israeli-controlled areas and Palestinian zones, westward by placing yellow concrete blocks, restricting Gaza residents' movement. This includes areas like the Tuffah neighborhood east of Gaza City near Salah al-Din Street. Israeli officials explain that expanding control zones aims to increase pressure on Hamas and create broader security spaces for troops and nearby communities.

The internal Palestinian struggle for control in Gaza intensifies post-war, with weapon possession and territorial control at the heart of the dispute.