Israeli Security Officials Warn Hamas Strengthens Control in Gaza Amid Ceasefire

Israeli security agencies have alerted the political leadership about Hamas's growing dominance in the Gaza Strip during the current ceasefire. According to recent intelligence, Hamas has restored most of its civilian governance structures, with 15 out of 17 government ministries and 14 of 25 Hamas-affiliated municipalities resuming full operations within the designated areas. This resurgence extends to economic control, including tax collection ranging from 15% to 30% on merchants, regulation of markets with enforced pricing, and smuggling activities that support both civilian and military needs.

Security officials emphasize that Hamas's consolidation of power enhances its public image and strengthens its municipal authority. They warn that despite Hamas's outward cooperation signals, the group is strategically reinforcing its capabilities across civilian and military sectors. The security establishment has submitted detailed reports to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, urging a policy shift to counter Hamas's entrenchment.

Senior security sources described Hamas's actions as deceptive, stating, "Hamas is conducting a ruse: it appears to agree to cooperation towards disarmament but is actually working to strengthen and expand its control." They stressed the urgent need for a political turnaround that would lead to operational changes, cautioning that without such measures, Hamas remains the sole beneficiary of the current situation.