An anti-Hamas militia leader in Khan Younis says fear and brutality are the only tools Hamas has left, and that a Trump-backed plan offers Gaza a real alternative.
Hussam al-Astal, commander of an anti-Hamas militia operating in Khan Younis, spoke about Gaza’s future in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, delivering a blunt assessment of Hamas’ declining power and popularity inside the Strip.
“Two months after the ceasefire, Hamas leader Khaled Mashal declared from Doha that his organization would not disarm or give up power,” al-Astal said. “But Mashal is not speaking from a position of strength. Hamas is weaker and more unpopular in Gaza than ever before. The only cards it has left are fear and cruelty.”
According to al-Astal, his forces have detained Hamas operatives on both sides of the ceasefire line. “The new recruits are inexperienced and quick to surrender. Some have already begun to defect, and many more will follow.”