Hamas Officer Reveals Massive Loss of Control in Gaza Strip

A senior Hamas security officer disclosed to the BBC that the armed group has lost approximately 80% of its control in the Gaza Strip due to relentless Israeli strikes that have dismantled its leadership. He stated that the group's command system has collapsed nearly entirely, leaving major armed clans to fill the resulting power vacuum. The officer shared his insights through voice messages while remaining anonymous, following injuries sustained during the conflict that escalated on October 7, 2023, after Hamas's attack on Israel.

The officer condemned the current state of despair within Hamas, admitting that the majority of its leadership structure is virtually nonexistent, with around 95% dead or incapacitated. The chaos has opened the door for local gangs and armed clans, who now dominate the streets unchallenged, as many residents loot the remnants of Hamas's security apparatus. He painted a grim picture of a society unraveling, mentioning, "There's no control anywhere."

He also highlighted that in the absence of effective Hamas governance, six armed groups from local clans have risen as significant players within Gaza, especially in the southern regions. These factions are reportedly well-armed and financially stable, posing a threat to Hamas as they seek to establish new authority. The officer pointed out that significant figures like Yasser Abu Shabab are gaining traction and even attempting to unite various armed groups to challenge Hamas's rule.

This internal strife has resulted in a hazardous environment where even humanitarian aid efforts are vulnerable to violence. As Hamas struggles to maintain any semblance of order, the situation in Gaza continues to disintegrate, thrusting the Palestinian territory deeper into lawlessness and geopolitical uncertainty. The officer warned that unless Hamas can address these internal rivalries effectively, it risks facing a united front against its authority in the near future.