Such a move would facilitate Hamas’ continued consolidation of its position as the undisputed ruling power in Gaza. This dominance occurs in the context of a dearth of serious alternatives. As the region faces mounting devastation, aid officials have labeled Hamas the “de facto authority,” underscoring its pervasive influence in a territory grappling with chaos and violence. This allowed the group to quickly assert violent control over roughly 47% of Gaza. Partially at Israeli behest, these groups filled the power vacuum that Israeli attempts to empower armed gangs failed to.
In the past few days, Hamas has carried out an unprecedented security campaign against critics and threats to their rule. The group has already set its sights on looters, armed gangs and clans, and outspoken critics from everyday Palestinians. Hamas executed seven men in the Gaza neighborhood of Zeitoun, accusing them of collaboration and treason. This new movement has garnered a surprising wave of pushback and enthusiasm from various conservative and liberal forces inside of Gaza.
Even with all of this upheaval, Hamas’s control has not been seriously challenged. The Israeli government has refrained from proposing any alternative governance structure in Gaza throughout the ongoing conflict. Yet, despite this potentially positive step, it has continued to leave the Palestinian Authority out of any engagement. To date, Hamas is the only party with the capability to control.
“When you have a complete and total destruction of a society, the ones who can maintain some sort of monopoly of violence will rule … Hamas has been by far the most successful in terms of deploying force and getting violence under control,” – H A Hellyer
Hamas’s unprecedented actions of terror this week have coincided with a recent surge in violence as confrontations and gunfire have spread across the Palestinian territory. The cohort has not let the national climate shake them. That would involve a possible request from Qatar or other intermediaries to the U.S., which would have allowed Hamas to conduct its crackdown with impunity.
International negotiations are currently ongoing based on Donald Trump’s 20-point “plan for peace.” Hamas still makes their life difficult by featuring heavily in this fast-developing story. This omission does not preclude the group from participating in future governance conversations, which might be critical in deciding its future role in the process.
“If Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them.” – Trump
The group’s historical capacity to hold onto power is equally underscored by its rapid reaction to attacks on its power. Yet, it has vigorously gone after other opposition factions and militia groups allegedly funded, trained and equipped by Israel. This move is designed to remove even the whiff of competition.
Supporters of Hamas in the streets of Gaza, celebrating as Hamas ruthlessly brings chaos to heel. Among them, one prominent backer stands out, Najla Jundiya of Deir al-Balah. Warning voices urge us to consider the alternative that Hamas has opted for.
“You can’t correct one mistake with another,” – an activist in central Gaza
Fortunately, the landscape of this situation is changing quickly. Hamas’s monopoly on power in Gaza will be key to regional politics. The group’s moves could still fall short of Trump’s and Israeli officials’ expectations or requests. Perhaps they are powerful enough to make Congress too afraid to uphold their authority.