Armed Hamas Units Return to Gaza Streets Despite Denials

In a concerning development that threatens regional stability, Hamas has mobilized approximately 7,000 members of its security forces to seize control of areas recently evacuated by Israeli troops. This aggressive move, coupled with the appointment of five new military-background governors, demonstrates the terrorist organization’s determination to maintain its iron grip over Gaza.

The mobilization order, distributed through phone calls and text messages, revealed Hamas’s true intentions under the guise of “cleansing Gaza of outlaws and collaborators with Israel.” Despite the Hamas media office’s attempts to downplay the situation by denying the deployment of fighters, eyewitness accounts confirm armed Hamas units are actively patrolling multiple districts, some in civilian attire and others wearing Gaza police uniforms.

The situation escalated rapidly following the deaths of two Hamas elite force members, killed by the Dughmush clan in Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood. One victim was notably the son of Imad Aqel, Hamas’s military intelligence chief, suggesting this could be more than mere territorial control but rather a calculated show of force.

In a display of typical terrorist organization tactics, Hamas surrounded hundreds of Dughmush clan members, resulting in one death and approximately 30 kidnappings. The weapons involved in this conflict reportedly came from looted Hamas depots during the war, highlighting the organization’s inability to maintain basic security protocols.

This concerning power grab comes at a critical juncture as the region grapples with post-war governance questions. The timing is particularly problematic given President Trump’s peace plan, which explicitly requires Hamas to disarm – a requirement the terrorist organization continues to reject under the perpetual excuse of “legitimate resistance.”

A former Palestinian Authority security officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, provided crucial insight: “Hamas hasn’t changed. It still believes that weapons and violence are the only means to keep its movement alive.” This assessment aligns with the organization’s historical pattern of violent control and opposition to peaceful resolution.

The situation in Gaza has created what security experts describe as a “perfect recipe for civil war,” with an abundance of weapons, widespread frustration, chaos, and a terrorist organization desperate to maintain control over an exhausted population. This combination of factors presents a significant challenge to regional stability and peace efforts.

The international community must recognize this deployment for what it truly is: a calculated move by a terrorist organization to consolidate power and obstruct legitimate peace efforts. Hamas’s actions continue to demonstrate their commitment to violence over the welfare of the Palestinian people they claim to represent.