Hamas Loses Grip on Gaza as Armed Clans Rise, Says Security Officer

Key Takeaways

Hamas has lost approximately 80% of its control over Gaza due to Israeli military strikes decimating its leadership and security structures.
Six armed clans are now vying for control in Gaza, particularly in the south, with resources and influence challenging Hamas's authority.
Security in Gaza has collapsed, with criminal gangs operating unchecked and no functional leadership to maintain order.
Hamas has placed a bounty on clan leader Yasser Abu Shabab, fearing he could unite adversaries against them.
The inability to pay salaries and the rise of rival factions signal a potential existential threat to Hamas's rule in Gaza.

A high-ranking Hamas security officer has disclosed that the Palestinian armed group has lost approximately 80% of its control over the Gaza Strip, with armed clans stepping in to fill the void. The officer, speaking anonymously to the BBC, attributed this collapse to months of Israeli military strikes that have devastated Hamas's political, military, and security leadership.

The lieutenant colonel, who was wounded in the early days of the Israel-Hamas conflict that began on October 7, 2023, described a near-total breakdown of security across Gaza. "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 said. "So really, what's stopping Israel from continuing this war?"

He emphasized that the situation in Gaza has deteriorated to the point of societal collapse, with criminal gangs operating unchecked and no effective leadership to maintain order. "The security situation has completely collapsed. Totally gone. There's no control anywhere," he added, noting that even Hamas's once-powerful security apparatus, Ansar, had been looted without intervention.

The officer highlighted the emergence of six armed groups affiliated with powerful local clans, which are now vying for control across Gaza. These groups, primarily active in the south, have access to weapons, manpower, and financial resources. One such group is led by Yasser Abu Shabab, a figure who has reportedly attracted attention from the Palestinian Authority, Israel, and other regional players.

According to the officer, Hamas has placed a bounty on Abu Shabab's head, fearing he could unite the group's adversaries. "If the Hamas fighters find him, they might go after him instead of Israeli tanks," he said. Sources in Gaza also revealed that Abu Shabab is coordinating with other armed factions to form a joint council aimed at overthrowing Hamas.

The security vacuum has led to widespread chaos, with gangs and armed clans operating with impunity. "They could stop you, kill you. No one would intervene," the officer warned. He also noted that Hamas's ability to pay salaries has been severely disrupted, further destabilizing the region.

As the situation in Gaza continues to unravel, the officer warned that Hamas is prepared to take extreme measures to eliminate threats like Abu Shabab, fearing he could become a rallying point for the group's enemies. "For 17 years, Hamas made enemies everywhere. If someone like Abu Shabab can rally those forces, that could be the beginning of the end for us," he said.

The ongoing conflict and power struggle in Gaza underscore the deepening crisis in the region, with no clear resolution in sight.