An enemy from within: How Gazan militias became Hamas’s new nightmare -analysis
In recent months, Hamas’s security apparatuses have operated on several fronts in an attempt to confront the militias opposing the organization.
On Tuesday morning, militias opposing Hamas launched an operation deep inside the Gaza Strip, revealing the volatility of the region. Hamas leadership was deeply concerned about these attacks. Initially, Arab media reported Israeli forces entering the Strip for a covert operation against a senior Hamas figure. However, it was later confirmed that Gazan militias, led by members of a militia against Hamas, were responsible.
In response to the situation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) provided cover during the operation, resulting in visible smoke plumes from long distances.
The operation led to the arrest of a senior Hamas figure, which may shed light on the organization's covert activities and methods of operation in the Gaza Strip. Over the past year, various militias have carried out operations that have damaged Hamas' military capabilities in the Strip. Hamas has been actively pursuing and countering these militias, including through intimidation, interrogation, and even killing suspects.
Additionally, Hamas has expanded its intelligence collection and surveillance systems targeting IDF forces along the Yellow Line and conducted deliberate friction operations with IDF soldiers in exchange for symbolic payments.
Recalling the events of 2018's Operation Tropical Fruit, a similar situation arose when IDF special forces were exposed by Hamas, resulting in an exchange of fire and a complex extraction operation. The recent operation raises questions about the IDF's previous experience and its potential consequences in security and diplomatic terms. As the US seeks to ease tensions and advance the reconstruction of parts of the Gaza Strip, the incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Israel and Hamas in their conflict.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
