Hamas reaffirms its control and settles scores in the Gaza Strip

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Hamas set up checkpoints, engaged in gun battles with its rivals, and violently beat Palestinians it suspected of collaborating with Israel just hours after agreeing to a ceasefire to end the two-year conflict in the Gaza Strip.

According to Gazans interviewed by the Financial Times, as well as photos posted on social media and security updates from the United Nations and other agencies, the armed group moved quickly across the Strip to reassert its control and settle scores.

The group’s resilience to Israeli military strikes has surprised Gazans and will dominate upcoming negotiations on US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan. Peace plan.

While much of the Israeli security establishment is convinced that its offensive has dismantled Hamas’ military capabilities – including the ability to manufacture large numbers of improvised rockets – the rapid spread of its fighters across the Strip has revealed that the group is still able to cling to power within Gaza itself.

The ceasefire agreed to on Friday will allow for the exchange of Israeli hostages with Palestinian prisoners by Monday, but the second phase of the plan requires Hamas to disarm. Security inside the enclave is supposed to be maintained by an international stabilization force.

But within hours of the ceasefire taking effect, Hamas made a public show of force in the Strip, which it has ruled with an iron fist since 2007.

In northern Gaza, it clashed in gun battles with two Palestinian tribes that received aid and weapons from the Israeli army, according to a Western diplomat familiar with the clash.

In Gaza City, masked gunmen searched cars for weapons, while in Khan Yunis, a former Hamas stronghold, talks were held with a local militia to hand over its weapons to Hamas to prevent further bloodshed, according to a message shared on Hamas’ Telegram channel.

In other parts of the Strip, there was sporadic gunfire between small militias that emerged during the chaos of the war, some of which Israel armed.

Hamas called on all competitors to lay down their weapons within 48 hours and hand over their leaders to the armed group. The Popular Forces, the largest competitor led by Yasser Abu Shabab, which controls large areas of Rafah and receives weapons, armored vehicles, and training from Israel, refused to comply.

The militia said through its social media channels: “We are remaining in our lands around Rafah and we will continue to defend our lands.” “We have no intention of leaving the Gaza Strip.”

The Israeli attack targeted not only Hamas fighters, but also Palestinian police officers who helped maintain law and order in the Strip.

Hamas said it would undertake the task of “promoting security and stability and protecting the rights of citizens.”