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Source: https://peacecomms.substack.com/p/hamas-is-failing-to-rebuild-its-iron
Hamas Is Failing to Rebuild Its Iron Rule
(Center for Peace Communications) Hamas is indeed applying new levels of violence and intimidation in a bid for authority in Gaza. In the first weeks following the ceasefire, it murdered at least 80 alleged "collaborators" in ISIS-style public executions. However, to establish a viable new regime, Hamas needs to achieve what Hizbullah did after the 2006 Second Lebanon War, with massive assistance from a foreign patron (Iran). But the equivalent monies aren't coming. The ever-increasing levels of brutality it has employed against its own civilians in order to extract funds are enraging civilians, most of whom already blame Hamas for triggering the destruction of their territory by launching the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. In addition, Hamas has begun taxing civilians at unprecedented rates, demanding exorbitant fees for cigarettes, food, and tents. If an emerging U.S.-led plan for reconstruction offers housing, food, and a measure of safety from Hamas violence and Israeli military action, Gazans will not only welcome it; they will help in any way they can to expand the zone of reconstruction beyond the Israeli side into portions of Gaza Hamas still dreams of ruling.