After six months of bloody fighting in the Strip Gaza remains unclear if Israel has achieved its goal of eliminating "Hamas" and the control exercised by the Palestinian group in the enclave, writes the London-based Arabic-language Saudi newspaper "Ash Sharq al-Awsat" today, quoted by BTA.
Against the background of the ongoing conflict and Israel's withdrawal from some areas of Gaza, the key questions arise, whether the movement "Hamas" will be ousted from power and can Israel fill this gap, the publication points out.
Before withdrawing, Tel Aviv promised a new government, but "Hamas" quickly regained its power in some parts of the strip, and this raises skepticism.
Before "Ash Sharq Al Ausat" residents of Gaza express doubt that "Hamas" "he will go unless he voluntarily hands over control to the Palestinian Authority, which will not be easy. The movement has managed to maintain its administrative structure and continues to control security, police, ministries and institutions, even paying part of their salaries, according to a source in the "Hamas" government.
An employee of the police authorities of the group with the initials A.S. says that regular instructions were given to maintain security and he and his colleagues received limited monetary payments. In addition, the internal security apparatus arrested people who cooperated with the Israeli forces.
"We receive instructions to maintain security twice a day, we monitor the markets and prices of goods, we provide protection when distributing aid coming from outside,", states A.S.
Although "Hamas" has suffered significant losses, including in personnel and headquarters, the movement is still functioning. Israel claims to have killed many members of "Hamas", but faces skepticism from the Palestinians, notes "Ash Sharq al-Awsat".