A senior Hamas security official has painted a stark picture of their diminishing power. The group has lost control over most of Gaza, the official admits. A new and chaotic situation has taken hold. Armed groups now fill the power gaps, and one rising figure could become a major challenge to Hamas itself.
This security official, a lieutenant colonel in rank, shared his views with the BBC. He asked to remain unnamed. He was injured early in the conflict, starting October 7, 2023, and has been out of action. His voice messages to the BBC describe a system on the brink.
He explains that Hamas’s leadership, both political and military, has been severely damaged. Constant Israeli attacks over many months have taken a heavy toll. “Let’s be real,” he said in one message. “Almost 95% of our leaders are gone. Key people have been killed.” He questioned how Hamas could possibly stop the war under these conditions.
The official described a completely broken security system across Gaza. This is an area Hamas controlled tightly before the war. “There is almost nothing left of the security structure,” he stated. He pointed out the plundering of Ansar, Hamas’s most powerful security building. This was once a symbol of their rule.
People broke in and stole everything, from office supplies to carpets and even metal sheets. No one stopped them. There were no police or security forces to intervene. The lieutenant colonel said there’s no control, no leadership, no orders, and no communication. Members’ salaries are late, and some have died trying to collect them. “It has totally fallen apart,” he added.
This security vacuum has led to chaos. Gangs and armed groups are everywhere. They can stop anyone, even kill them, without consequence. Anyone who tries to organize against these new groups quickly becomes an Israeli target. They might be bombed within half an hour.
One notable group is led by Yasser Abu Shabib, a known rival of Hamas. Israel confirmed last month that it has supplied weapons to Abu Shabib. This has led Hamas to put a large bounty on his head. They fear he could become a rallying point for opposition.
The official described Abu Shabib’s group as “orphans everyone wants to adopt.” He claimed Abu Shabib has met with senior Palestinian intelligence officers three times. He also sent messages through relatives to Egyptian officials in Sinai, offering reassurances. Abu Shabib also keeps good ties with Mohammad Dahlan, a former Gaza security chief. Dahlan fled abroad after falling out with Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas 15 years ago.
Hamas has made many enemies over its 17 years in power. The official warned, “If someone like Abu Shabib can stir up those forces, it could mean the beginning of our end.” Last September, Israel’s then-Defense Minister said Hamas “no longer exists as a military force.” He claimed they were now fighting as a guerrilla group. Hamas tried to regroup during a 57-day ceasefire earlier this year. But after the truce ended, Israel quickly targeted what was left of their command structure, pushing them back into disarray.
Source: bbc