Hamas Dismantled the Government—But Not the Rule: Who Really Runs Gaza? | Baruch Yedid

About a month after Hamas announced it was giving up civilian governance in Gaza, an analysis shows the organization maintains de facto control through security mechanisms, municipalities, clans, food distribution, and economic networks. Control operates in layers: Hamas holds security and enforcement, municipalities provide services under its shadow, food distribution is decentralized, and exiting via Rafah involves payments. Clans are not an alternative, and crime is rising, but it may actually strengthen Hamas. Hamas is also turning to Palestinian politics, aiming to convert power into political capital.

About a month after Hamas announced it was relinquishing civilian governance in the Gaza Strip, the article analyzes that the organization has not given up actual control. Instead of an overt government, a model of remote control is developing through security mechanisms, municipalities, clans, food distribution centers, and economic networks. In the security sphere, Hamas continues to exercise force, including claims of interrogation facilities in medical complexes, such as Nasser and Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospitals, which require verification. Municipalities, such as Gaza, Al-Maghazi, Khan Younis, and Jabalia, are returning to operate in civilian areas but operate under Hamas's power environment. Food distribution is controlled by gangs and local actors, and whoever controls it holds power. Exiting through the Rafah crossing involves payments of tens of thousands of dollars, according to sources, creating a market of intermediaries. Clans fill part of the social vacuum but are not an alternative to Hamas. Crime is rising, but the paradox is that it may actually strengthen Hamas as the factor capable of imposing order. The economy is controlled through a shortage of cash and resources. Meanwhile, civil institutions such as education, religion, and labor continue to operate. Hamas is also turning to Palestinian politics, declaring its intention to participate in elections and calling for voter registration, aiming to convert military and social power into political capital. The article presents three types of Hamas: a weak government, a security and military organization, and a political movement.