Two years into the conflict in Gaza, Hamas still governs the territory, maintains its grip on power, and continues to hold Israeli captives. On Sunday, Eyal Ofer, a specialist in Hamas’s financial network, analyzed the current situation during an interview on 103Fm.
Ofer pointed out that Israel has suffered significantly in the diplomatic arena because of the fighting. He argued that “we could have been in a better position if we had not let these 800,000 return to the Gaza Strip in the first place,” referencing the massive wave of civilians who went back to Gaza City after Israel’s latest ground assault.
He also addressed the question of whether Hamas might accept a deal to end the war. “This is the most important thing for Hamas. I base myself on open information from what appears on Gazan channels,” Ofer noted. “They are talking amongst themselves. According to their reports, Israel is bombing two main areas: one is in the northwest of the city in the Shati refugee camp, and the other is in the southeast of the city in the Sabra camp.”
According to him, the latest developments are notable. Over the past day, reports have surfaced that two powerful family groups in Gaza were offered aid packages from Israel. Among those mentioned was Abu Shabaab, who leads the Popular Forces, a militant faction that opposes Hamas.
But Ofer said that local sources reported the offers were turned down. These clans announced their loyalty to Hamas in public statements.
He emphasized that Hamas’s grip has been steadily weakening. The organization’s authority, he said, has been “crumbling for nearly six months” as Israel has systematically eliminated “all the people of civilian life, financial people, and police officers.”
Still, Hamas has managed to muster thousands of armed men. Estimates range from 10,000 to as many as 20,000. Unverified reports claim that large numbers of these fighters, carrying arms, are being relocated to al-Mawasi, which is designated as a humanitarian zone, and to Deir al-Balah, a city in central Gaza.
Ofer cautioned Israeli leaders not to focus only on short-term scenarios. “Hamas has said it clearly,” he remarked. “It understands that formally, it will not remain in power in Gaza. In the short term, Hamas will agree to expert committees. They will say, ‘We will not act against the Arab forces that will enter,’ but Hamas always thinks in the long term.”
“They actually plan to take over within five to ten years,” Ofer concluded. “All the talk about Hamas disappearing is disconnected from reality.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
Why does the Jewish media insist on perpetrating the belief that weakening Hamas will improve anything in Gaza?
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist org in Gaza held Arbel Yehoud in inhuman conditions and continues to hold Rom Braslavski in inhuman conditions.
The Kateib al-Mujahideen (Brigade of Jihad Warriors) in Gaza held and brutally murdered Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas.
The crime clans like Abu-Shabab live off of trafficking drugs, weapons, and human beings. They operate according to tribal law, which is brutal.
Why is having them in charge any better?
Can we please stop with this fantasy that “if only Hamas would be defeated…!”
Let’s form opinions based on logic and facts on the ground.