Senior Hamas officials have reportedly acknowledged that the group is facing mounting difficulties in governing the Gaza Strip, as ongoing Israeli military operations continue to target its leadership. Speaking to the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, sources within Hamas confirmed that most of the organization’s senior figures—both political and military—have gone into hiding, at least until a new ceasefire is reached.
Ceasefire Seen as Key to Regaining Control
According to these officials, the current wave of Israeli strikes, which have targeted government buildings, homes, and top commanders, has forced Hamas to scale back its activities. They stated that a ceasefire would allow the group to reassert control over the Strip and resume its governance—until a broader political arrangement defines the region’s future.
Israel: Hamas Will Not Govern Gaza Again
Israel has reiterated that Hamas will not be allowed any role in future governance of Gaza. At the start of Sunday’s cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared:
“Hamas will lay down its weapons. Its leaders will be allowed to leave. We will secure Gaza and implement the Trump Plan—the voluntary emigration initiative. That’s the plan. We’re not hiding it and are ready to discuss it at any time.”
Wave of Targeted Strikes on Hamas Leadership
In recent weeks, the IDF has eliminated multiple high-ranking Hamas operatives. Among those targeted: spokesperson Abd al-Latif al-Qanou; Ashraf al-Gharbawi, head of military intelligence for the al-Qassam Brigades; and Ahmad Alkayali, who oversaw Hamas’s internal intelligence coordination. Five members of the group’s political bureau and several other senior officials have also been killed.
Despite increased security measures, Hamas has struggled to shield its leadership. Palestinian sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the group has established “revolutionary courts” to interrogate suspected collaborators, with some reportedly executed. Still, Israeli strikes continue—driven by what appears to be highly precise intelligence.
IDF Widens Ground Operations in Southern Gaza
Over the weekend, the IDF expanded its ground operations in southern Gaza, striking dozens of terrorist targets in Rafah’s al-Janina neighborhood to enlarge the security buffer zone.
Working closely with the Shin Bet, the IDF also launched airstrikes on Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad assets throughout Gaza. Destroyed targets included weapons caches, rocket launchers, military compounds, and additional terror infrastructure. Several terrorists were killed in the strikes, some of whom had been involved in launching mortar attacks toward Israeli territory.
