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Source: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/countering-hamass-shadow-governance-gaza
Countering Hamas's Shadow Governance in Gaza
(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Devorah Margolin and Neomi Neumann - Hamas has been investing great efforts to regain civilian control across Gaza. Hamas is biding its time to fully reemerge when circumstances are more favorable. This cannot be allowed to happen. Hamas uses criminal elements to ensure its control. With the movement's approval, crime families in Gaza have been collecting taxes and enforcing order. In return, Hamas allows them to divert respectable chunks of humanitarian aid, among other benefits. Hamas's taxation and distribution of humanitarian aid serves as an important resource that ensures its continued status as the strongest force in Gaza. Hamas's widespread control of aid has made many Gazans feel that much still depends on the movement. To complete the process of toppling Hamas, the international community must formulate a powerful and independent governmental alternative and then take steps to implement it. Devorah Margolin is a senior fellow at The Washington Institute. Neomi Neumann is a visiting fellow and former head of research at the Israel Security Agency.