Israeli Security Officials Warn Hamas Is Rebuilding Control and Economy in Gaza During Ceasefire

Israeli security officials have raised alarms that Hamas is using the current ceasefire to gradually restore its governance structures and strengthen its hold over Gaza's population. According to recent classified documents presented to Israeli political leaders, Hamas is reestablishing public order mechanisms and civil institutions, which bolsters its influence among Gaza residents.

The assessment reveals that 15 out of 17 government ministries in Gaza have resumed full operations, alongside 14 of 25 Hamas-affiliated municipalities. The remaining 11 municipalities are located beyond the so-called "yellow line," where activity has yet to restart. This institutional recovery is accompanied by Hamas rebuilding its economic control, including inspecting and registering trucks and imposing taxes ranging from 15% to 30% on merchants.

Hamas is also intensifying market control by intervening in prices of scarce goods and continuing smuggling operations for both military supplies and restricted commodities. The group collects various fees from business owners, such as market stall rents and license renewals. Israeli officials emphasize a significant gap between Hamas's public statements during negotiations and its actual efforts to consolidate power on the ground.

Senior security sources described Hamas's approach as deceptive, stating the group "nods toward cooperation on disarmament but simultaneously works to strengthen and expand all its capabilities." They warn that the current situation benefits only Hamas and call for a political shift that would lead to operational changes to counteract Hamas's consolidation in Gaza.