Hamas Strengthens Grip in Northern Gaza Strip, Despite Israeli Efforts

By Yoni Weiss

Despite Israeli efforts, Hamas is actively working to reassert control over the northern Gaza Strip. A Palestinian source in Gaza revealed Tuesday that this is a deliberate move by Hamas to demonstrate dominance, particularly amidst ongoing negotiations on the return of the hostages. One of Hamas’s demands in the negotiations is to allow residents to return to the north, prompting the group’s focus on consolidating power in the region.

Hamas is deploying police forces without uniforms, mainly observed in the Rimal neighborhood, near government offices, and in markets. These forces primarily oversee food price control and prevent the trade of stolen humanitarian aid, aiming to showcase their influence in governance. Additionally, Hamas has established offices to pay civil servants and police officers, distributing a list of locations through social media. The group prioritizes the return to function of civil servants in key ministries like Finance, Education, and Interior.

As residents start to return to their destroyed homes, particularly those who stayed in shelters during the conflict, the rebuilding process involves makeshift solutions, using plastic sheeting and salvaged furniture. While the majority of Palestinians in northern Gaza fled south and await permission to return, a significant number stayed in shelters. The rebuilding efforts are taking place amid significant damage, with around 70% of housing units in northern Gaza believed to have varying degrees of damage.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue to target Hamas military infrastructure in close proximity to civilian areas.