Senior Israeli security officials say Hamas has already formulated a clear strategy to continue ruling the Gaza Strip—both militarily and civically.
According to these officials, Hamas is not concerned by the planned creation of a “technocrats committee” meant to manage civilian life in Gaza. The 12 committee members all live in the Strip and have family members there, giving Hamas effective leverage over them through intimidation if needed.
The committee is also expected to operate via Gaza’s existing governmental and municipal bureaucracy—around 40,000 officials who receive salaries from Hamas. There is no intention to dismiss them, allowing Hamas to maintain control behind the scenes while publicly transferring “civilian authority” to the committee.
THE MILITARY ASPECT
