Testimonies from the heart of Gaza to N12: 'Hamas recruits teenagers holding Kalashnikovs'

A week after the ceasefire, Gaza residents reveal in an interview with N12 that Hamas is recruiting young teenagers for money, continues to suppress opposition, and refuses to hand over its weapons. Sources in the Strip describe command centers in hospitals, forced tax collection, and an assessment that Hamas will hand over only a tiny portion of the weapons.

Just a week after Israel ceased fire in Gaza, residents of the Strip testify in an interview with N12 that Hamas is reasserting its control. A, a Gaza resident, says the organization is recruiting young teenagers aged 18-20, who hold Kalashnikovs and stand at intersections, for 600-700 shekels. According to her, fear of Hamas is growing, and any dissenter—whether cursing, writing on social media, or planning a protest—risks being shot by masked gunmen. M from Gaza adds that Hamas maintains investigation centers and forces in command centers within hospital complexes, and monitors residents. Hussam al-Astal, commander of an armed militia in Khan Younis opposed to Hamas, expresses confidence that the organization will not hand over the weapons, as the people themselves might kill them. M estimates that Hamas will hand over 500 out of 60-70 thousand Kalashnikovs as a show for the media. Al-Astal accuses Hamas of collecting taxes by force, ranging from 18% to 35-40%, including confiscating cigarettes. A notes that the main source of money is taxes on merchants, and those who do not pay are imprisoned and humiliated. The report paints a picture of ongoing oppression and refusal to disarm, contrary to the vision of the ceasefire agreement.