Growing signs point to a deepening crisis in Hamas rule over the Gaza Strip. Footage released Wednesday shows large crowds of Gazans storming Hamas-run warehouses that had previously been under tight control. Residents looted sacks of flour and food, clashing violently with Hamas operatives in scenes of gunfire and physical confrontations—an alarming indication of collapsing authority.
A shift in distribution control
Following changes in the distribution system and the involvement of international organizations under civilian protection, Hamas has lost its direct grip on aid delivery. As a result, hundreds of residents have begun breaking into the group’s storage centers. In one incident in central Gaza, five Palestinians were reportedly killed by gunfire after attempting to loot a warehouse on Salah al-Din Street in the Al-Maghazi camp.
The breach of Hamas warehouses, Watch:
حاولت حماس على مدار أشهر ترويج كذبة التجويع ليتضح ان حماس اخبئت أطنان كبيرة من الطحين في مخازنها. من يوجّع أهالي غزة؟
الله ينتقم منكم ايها الكفار pic.twitter.com/LGImxgoYY3— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) May 28, 2025
Breach of Hamas warehouses
At the same time, the GHF aid foundation published striking footage of Gazans, including children, cheering for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump. The videos show people waving food packages, singing, and declaring: “Thanks even to the infidels and foreigners—credit to those who sent this aid!”
“Now is not the time to ease pressure”
Responding to the footage, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Wednesday evening: “Hamas is under immense pressure and distress due to the overhaul in aid distribution and its loss of control over the population in Gaza, combined with ongoing military pressure. We must tighten the rope and force Hamas into a complete surrender deal involving all the hostages. It would be sheer folly to ease the pressure now and sign a partial agreement that throws it a lifeline.”
