Hamas has intensified efforts to place loyalists within Gaza's clan councils, muktar appointments and neighborhood committees ahead of a planned transfer of formal authority to a technocratic body. Reports say the group uses elections and appointments and offers incentives—such as dispute mediation and prioritized aid—to secure cooperation. Sources indicate these placements extend Hamas's oversight in displaced-person camps and local institutions, helping the movement supervise daily life and maintain influence despite a nominal administrative handover.
Hamas Tightens Grip on Gaza by Installing Loyalists in Clan Councils and Local Committees
Gazan clan leaders give a press conference discussing Hamas
Hamas has intensified a campaign to place its supporters inside Gaza's clan networks and neighborhood committees as it prepares for a formal transfer of administrative authority to a technocratic body, according to Israeli and Palestinian media reports.
What The Reports Say
KAN Reshet Bet reported that the group has been systematically strengthening ties with clan and tribal leaders across the Gaza Strip to consolidate influence ahead of the planned handover. The Jerusalem Post also cited Palestinians familiar with the matter who said that, despite public signals of a transfer of power, Hamas does not intend to surrender its control.
"Hamas hasn't declared an end to its rule in the Gaza Strip," a senior Palestinian official in Ramallah told The Jerusalem Post on July 6. "What they have done is announce the dissolution of what they call the emergency committee. But at the same time, they immediately declared that another temporary governing body would run the [Gaza] Strip and appointed someone to head it."
How Influence Is Being Extended
According to the reports, the movement has promoted individuals with ties to it into key clan positions through both clan council elections and appointments of local officials known as "muktars." It has reportedly offered incentives to cooperating clans—including mediation in family disputes, prioritized access to humanitarian aid and other privileges—to deepen dependence on the group.
Palestinian security officials told KAN that Hamas has stepped up efforts to place loyal figures as heads of neighborhood committees in refugee camps and tented displaced-person settlements. Those placements are said to strengthen the group's ability to supervise daily life, sway local actors toward its goals and preserve order on terms defined by the movement.
(Illustrative) Palestinian members of al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Hamas movement. (credit: ABED RAHIM KHATIB/FLASH90)
Control Within Displaced Camps And Institutions
The Post reports that the movement has created shelter and relief structures inside displaced-person tent camps and staffed committees responsible for caring for residents, distributing aid and managing services. Committee members reportedly act as intermediaries, monitoring activity within camps and reporting back to Hamas.
Other local institutions, including Gaza's chamber of commerce, are reported to remain closely aligned with the group. In the run-up to recent anti-Hamas protests, activists say the movement warned that participants could face punishment or expulsion from the camps.
Clans And Public Legitimacy
Sources say some Gazan clans have been compelled to align with Hamas because of the group's influence and coercive power, even when clans would prefer neutrality. When Hamas announced it was dissolving its emergency governing body, some clan representatives publicly echoed the announcement—an action observers interpret as lending the group public legitimacy.
Contributor: Dana Ben-Shimon
Help us improve.
