Since the introduction of the ceasefire in October, Hamas has gradually strengthened its administrative and economic influence in the Gaza Strip, raising doubts among domestic opponents and international actors about the movement's intention to truly step down from power, as it has publicly stated, reports „Reuters“, reports News.bg.
After the withdrawal of Israeli forces last month, Hamas quickly regained control of the areas that Israel left. There, the movement executed dozens of Palestinians accused of collaboration, theft or other crimes. Despite the insistence of international powers that Hamas disarm and leave the government, there is still no agreement on who would take power.
According to Gaza residents, Hamas's control is also strengthening in everyday civilian life. In areas under its control, the movement monitors all incoming supplies, levies taxes on private deliveries, and sanctions merchants suspected of raising prices.
Ismail Tawabta, head of the Hamas government's media office, rejected claims that the movement was imposing additional taxes on cigarettes or fuel. He stressed that no taxes had been increased and that the authorities were only carrying out urgent administrative and humanitarian tasks. Tawabta reiterated Hamas's readiness to hand over the administration to a technocratic body aimed at a "smooth transition" and preventing chaos.
According to merchants such as Hatem Abu Dalal, the price hikes were the result of shortages of goods in Gaza. Local officials are visiting stores, checking stocks and setting control prices in an attempt to control the market.
US President Donald Trump's plan, which led to the truce on October 10 and the release of the last surviving hostages, envisages the creation of a transitional structure, the disarmament of Hamas and the deployment of multinational forces. According to sources of “Reuters“, however, the implementation of the plan is stalling, while Israel retains control over more than half of the territory of Gaza.
Currently, almost all of the two million residents live in areas governed by Hamas, which ousted the Palestinian Authority in 2007. Analysts believe that the movement's actions are an attempt to demonstrate that it cannot be bypassed in making political decisions.
The US State Department points to these practices as evidence that Hamas “cannot and will not govern“ Gaza. Washington says there has been progress in establishing the multinational force, but disputes between Fatah, Hamas and Israel over the future governance model remain unresolved.
Speakers say a new government could be formed after the UN approves the plan. The Palestinian Authority insists on participating in the government, while Israel rejects the possibility of it retaking control. Fatah and Hamas remain at odds over how to form the future administrative body.
Fatah's representative in Gaza, Münter Hayek, stressed that Hamas' actions "clearly demonstrate its desire to retain power."
Small Palestinian groups that oppose Hamas continue to operate in areas under Israeli control, representing a constant source of tension.
According to a senior food importer, the movement has not fully reinstated taxation, but is closely monitoring every entry of goods through checkpoints, inspecting trucks and questioning drivers. While fines against speculators have reduced some of the price, they remain far higher than pre-war levels, and residents complain of a lack of funds.
Before the conflict, the Hamas government employed up to 50,000 people, including police. Thousands have died in the fighting, while others have expressed their willingness to work under a new government, Tawabta said. Despite the war, Hamas has continued to pay salaries, standardizing salaries at 1,500 shekels (about $470). A diplomatic source said the movement is using accumulated cash reserves for this purpose.
Sources close to Hamas say new regional governors have been appointed to replace four who have died, and 11 members of the politburo have been replaced.
Analyst Mustafa Ibrahim believes Hamas is taking advantage of the delay in Trump's plan to strengthen its influence. "Will this be allowed to continue? They will probably continue until an alternative government is formed," he said.