Hamas planning to take over Palestinian Authority in 5 years, expert warns

Hamas rule in Gaza is disintegrating, says expert on the terror group; warns it is preparing to regroup after the war and seize control of Judea and Samaria.

By World Israel News Staff

The Hamas terror organization is planning on reconstituting its hold over the Gaza Strip after the current war ends and is eyeing the takeover of the Palestinian Authority in the coming years, an Israeli expert on the terror group has warned.

On Sunday, Eyal Ofer, an Israeli economist who specializes in the Palestinian economy and the Gaza Strip in particular, spoke with Radio 103FM regarding the success of the current Israeli operation in Gaza City, its impact on Hamas, and the terror group’s long-term plans.

With some 80% of the northern Gaza Strip’s population of approximately one million people already evacuated to the southern Strip, Ofer highlighted the ongoing decline of Hamas’ control over the coastal enclave, exacerbated by the elimination of much of its administrative class.

“Hamas’ rule has been disintegrating for almost half a year,” Ofer said. “Among other things because of our air campaign. We’re eliminating all the civilian cadre — finance people, police officers.”

Nevertheless, Ofer emphasized that the terror group still retains a large armed force in Gaza.

“They have on the order of more than 10,000 fighters. In some places, people say 20,000. Their leader, Azz al-Din Haddad, is apparently in western Gaza. There are unverified reports that they are now transferring many of their men, armed operatives, to al-Mawasi and Deir al-Balah.”

While Hamas has suffered heavy losses, weakening its grip in Gaza, Ofer said the Islamic terror group has a long-term plan to retain enough military prowess after the war to make it a powerful force within Palestinian politics, even if it is officially sidelined.

Ofer warned that Hamas is planning not only to survive in Gaza but also to seize control over the Palestinian Authority in Judea and Samaria, subverting the current PLO-led regime in Ramallah.

“Hamas has said clearly it understands that formally it will not remain in power in Gaza, but Hamas is keeping thousands of fighters so that it will be a force that cannot be ignored,” Ofer said.

“In the short term, Hamas will agree to technocratic committees [to govern Gaza]. They will say: ‘We will not act against the Arab forces that enter,’ but Hamas always thinks long-term.

“They need the money that will come in for reconstruction; they are essentially planning within 5–10 years to take over the entire Palestinian Authority, perhaps even beyond. All the talk that Hamas will disappear is detached from reality.”