Hamas Solidifies Control in Gaza Amid Peace Plan Challenges

Hamas is strengthening its control over Gaza by appointing loyalists to key positions, collecting taxes, and maintaining public services. Despite U.S. peace plan efforts, skepticism remains as Hamas refuses to disarm. The group's influence persists amid regional tensions and attempts at Gaza's transitional governance.

Hamas is consolidating its power in the Gaza Strip by strategically placing loyalists in essential government roles, enhancing tax collection, and ensuring salary payments, according to a recently obtained Israeli military report. Sources from within the Palestinian enclave corroborate these developments.

The ongoing dominance of Hamas in Gaza's infrastructure casts doubt on President Donald Trump's proposed peace plan, which necessitates disarmament of the group in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal. A significant U.S.-led initiative, the international Board of Peace, is scheduled to commence its oversight of the transitional governance in Washington.

Israeli military assessments suggest that Hamas is leveraging the October ceasefire to regain control in evacuated areas, with some officials dismissing the idea of Hamas's future governance role as implausible. Hamas's integration of supporters into varied governmental sectors indicates its sustained influence over the territory, posing challenges for the region's stability.

(With inputs from agencies.)