IDF Confirms Hamas Rebuilding Control in Gaza Amid Delays in Multinational Force Deployment

The Israeli military acknowledged on August 12, 2026, that Hamas is restoring its governance in the Gaza Strip, exploiting public facilities such as schools and hospitals for military purposes. Since the ceasefire took effect in October 2025, Hamas has intensified interrogations and torture of civilians, according to intelligence from the IDF and Shin Bet. The Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories warned Gaza residents against approaching the "yellow line" border, accusing Hamas of deliberately pushing civilians toward dangerous areas to serve its objectives.

Nikolay Mladenov, head of the Peace Council for Gaza, strongly denied claims of any financial agreement with Hamas, stating no such deal has been discussed or will be considered. He confirmed the establishment of a monitoring mechanism to detect violations of the ceasefire agreement, with all confirmed breaches to be addressed. Mladenov emphasized that Hamas will not participate in Gaza's civilian governance and that funds will not be transferred through the organization. The Peace Council's roadmap aims for full disarmament, civilian governance without Hamas, and an international security presence under U.S. command.

Despite the ceasefire, implementation of the 15-point plan shaping Gaza's future remains stalled. The multinational force, expected to include around 500 Moroccan troops and smaller contingents from Kosovo and Albania, is unlikely to enter Gaza before October 2026, possibly only after Israeli elections. Plans to establish a "Green Rafah" zone under local militias have also been delayed, with infrastructure work only beginning recently and expected to take about six months.

The Shin Bet is working to integrate local militia leaders into this zone, but previous attempts to create an effective alternative to Hamas have failed, with key figures killed and militias unable to establish control. The civilian component, including the entry of a Palestinian technocrats committee, is also not imminent. Meanwhile, Mohammed Dahlan is advancing a large humanitarian aid and reconstruction project backed by the UAE, aiming to strengthen his political base.

These delays provide Hamas with valuable time to rebuild its forces, recruit, and train, potentially prolonging the interim period amid Israel's internal political developments and upcoming elections. The Peace Council warns that if Hamas violates the ceasefire, Israel will respond accordingly, underscoring that no irreversible steps will be taken without verified progress on the ground.