Hamas Filling Governance Void to Rebuild Influence Across Gaza

Security officials have cautioned that Hamas is capitalizing on the absence of authority in Gaza to restore its dominance, while the IDF remains focused on the northern front in Lebanon, Walla reported on Friday.

Officials anticipate that the Israeli government will resist initiatives from the Palestinian technocratic administration in the territory, expecting Hamas to eventually reclaim authority over vital centers.

In a private discussion, one security official described Israel's strategic impasse, cautioning that progress remains blocked under present circumstances without heightening risks to the nation.

Efforts to Restore Gaza Infrastructure Continue

Alongside Board of Peace Director-General Nickolay Mladenov, the technocratic government is advancing a Rafah First approach. The plan seeks to create a demilitarized area free of terror in Rafah, enabling the return of residents who pass security checks to prevent any Hamas infiltration.

Defense sources noted ongoing discussions about rebuilding Gaza infrastructure, with tenders issued for roads and construction. The original framework prioritizes Rafah as the starting point for all activity.

Rehabilitation would proceed only after full verification that the zone is cleared of weapons and militant presence. Population movement would follow gradually, expanding cleared areas over time.

The official noted a key complication arising from field conditions. Hamas continues to delay steps, while the US encounters difficulties in applying pressure on the group.

As a result, discussions have shifted toward beginning Rafah rehabilitation and population transfers without first ensuring complete demilitarization or removal of Hamas arms.