IDF: Hamas' grip on Gaza is loosening

IDF: Hamas' grip on Gaza is loosening

Lilach Shoval

Initial IDF data points to a significant shift: Hamas loses its grip on the population. Four aid distribution points have been established, flour prices have dropped to their lowest since the war began, and 50 million food packages have been delivered to the Strip.

The IDF continues its military operations against Hamas, targeting infrastructure and eliminating operatives. 

At the same time, Israel's security establishment is working to sever ties between the terrorist organization and Gaza's civilian population. The goal: disrupt Hamas' corrupt method of exploiting humanitarian aid for profit and show residents that they can survive without relying on Hamas.

According to newly released data, major progress has been made in the past month toward decoupling Hamas from the population. Four distribution points are now operating most days, providing tens of thousands of food packages daily, totaling 50 million so far. As a result, flour prices have plummeted.

Security sources report that Hamas fiercely opposed the distribution efforts, endangering aid workers and urging residents not to collect food. That effort failed, and civilians have kept showing up for aid. In retaliation, Hamas hijacked a bus carrying American humanitarian workers, dumped the wounded at a hospital, and ordered medical staff not to treat them. According to intelligence, threats against the aid organization continue.

Security officials say crowd control remains a challenge, with widespread chaos across the Strip. In some cases, the IDF has had to fire live rounds to disperse crowds approaching its forces.

All incidents involving casualties are thoroughly investigated by the Gaza Division commander. Residents are warned in real-time to avoid the distribution areas when needed. Officials see a positive trend: civilians are being fed safely, without endangering soldiers or residents. The IDF estimates that there is currently no famine in Gaza.

Dismantling Hamas

The IDF acknowledges a handful of tragic incidents, some involving single-digit casualties, others involving dozens due to artillery used to push back crowds. Operations were halted immediately in these cases. In total, three to four such incidents have occurred. Notably, even Hamas fighters are coming to the aid centers to collect food for their families.

Last week, the IDF eliminated the remnants of Hamas' general staff, recovered the bodies of three Israeli hostages, and killed dozens of terrorists. Security officials reject claims of a "stalemate," describing the process as the methodical dismantling of a terrorist organization. Increasingly, residents are receiving aid independently of Hamas, and more clans are rebelling against it.

Officials are wary of a prolonged entanglement, likening the risk to Vietnam or Lebanon. But they maintain: "We're not there, we're creative and continue to strike Hamas. The cost is high, but the gains still outweigh it."

One major challenge is the perceived resistance by international aid organizations to the separation of the population from Hamas. Security sources believe some groups "would rather see the effort fail." Nevertheless, the IDF says these organizations remain operational in the field.

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