In brief
A senior officer in Hamas's security forces has revealed that the group has lost approximately 80% of its control over the Gaza Strip, attributing the disintegration to ongoing Israeli assaults that have decimated its leadership. The lieutenant colonel, who spoke to the BBC on the condition of anonymity, described a dire situation where rival armed clans now dominate the area. This internal collapse has made it nearly impossible for Hamas to maintain security, leading to rampant lawlessness and gang activity.
In a series of voice messages to the BBC, the officer outlined the chaos engulfing Gaza since the outbreak of war following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. He claimed that Hamas's command structure has buckled, with about 95% of its leadership either dead or incapacitated due to ongoing conflict. "There's barely anything left of the security structure," he stated, elucidating how armed gangs have taken over, evidencing the total lack of order as people plundered abandoned Hamas facilities without fear of repercussions.With salaries delayed and insecurity rampant, the officer observed a grim reality in which there is no functional leadership or control in Gaza. “People looted the most powerful Hamas security apparatus; there’s no police, no security,” he lamented, highlighting the needless violence and fear pervading the streets. Moreover, actions taken by Hamas against local vendors, alleged to be involved in price gouging and selling looted aid, resulted in more civilian casualties from Israeli airstrikes.Compounding the issue, rival armed groups, including one led by Yasser Abu Shabab, have emerged, challenging Hamas's authority using substantial resources. As they gain influence, these factions are seen as potential unifiers of Hamas's adversaries, leading to fears within Hamas of losing their already tenuous grip on power. Observers note that if the situation continues to deteriorate, it could signal a significant shift in the balance of power within Gaza, as internal rivalries threaten Hamas's long-standing authority in the region.
