Internal Collapse: Hamas Struggles to Maintain Control Amid Escalating Violence in Gaza

Reports indicate that Hamas has lost approximately 80% of its control in Gaza, leading to a significant rise of armed clans as the group faces internal disarray and external pressure from ongoing Israeli military operations.

A lieutenant colonel from Hamas's security forces has recently disclosed to the BBC that the organization has effectively lost about 80% of its grip on the Gaza Strip, with armed clans beginning to fill the resulting power vacuum. The officer, who sustained injuries during the early days of the ongoing conflict triggered by the Hamas-led assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, described the dire situation regarding Hamas's command and control systems as a consequence of sustained Israeli strikes that have severely impacted its leadership and operational capabilities.

In a series of voice messages shared anonymously, the officer painted an alarming picture of internal collapse within Hamas. “Let’s be realistic here—there’s barely anything left of the security structure. Most of the leadership, about 95%, are now dead... The active figures have all been killed,” he cautioned. Noting the deterioration of Hamas's control, he suggested that the organization was essentially defenseless against the Israeli military, stating, "So really, what’s stopping Israel from continuing this war?"

Since Israel’s cessation of a truce in March, the military has targeted what remained of Hamas's operational framework. The result has been complete disarray, according to the officer. "About the security situation, let me be clear: it has completely collapsed. Totally gone. There's no control anywhere," he said, indicating that once-powerful apparatuses, including the Ansar unit, have been stripped bare by looters and armed groups proliferating in the absence of effective governance.

These armed groups now pose significant challenges to whatever order remains in Gaza. "They could stop you, kill you. No one would intervene," the officer lamented, identifying a terrifying state of lawlessness. With Hamas unable to maintain its previous authority, rival factions, including six armed groups tied to influential local clans, are gaining ground. Their activities are concentrated in the southern regions of Gaza, and they possess resources that allow them to thrive amid the chaos.

One of the notable figures among these emerging challengers is Yasser Abu Shabab, who has garnered interest from the Palestinian Authority as well as foreign backers, including Israel. He has reportedly initiated efforts aimed at unifying armed factions in opposition to Hamas. Amidst growing rivalries, Hamas has reportedly placed a high bounty on Abu Shabab to thwart what they view as a potential galvanizing threat to their reign.

As Gaza continues to devolve into a haven for gangs and lawlessness, the continuing Israeli military actions compound the precariousness of Hamas's situation. The security officer's insights emphasize a critical juncture for the organization, as internal dissension potentially signals the beginning of widespread change in governance across the ravaged region.