Hamas on Monday said it has recalled 7,000 members of its security forces to “cleanse Gaza of outlaws and collaborators,” including militiamen armed by Israel — sparking fears of a bloody civil war inside the war-torn enclave.
The terror group made the announcement after Israeli Defense Force began pulling back its troops as they fulfill their part of the historic peace deal brokered by President Trump, his son-in-law Jared Kushner and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
Without the IDF in control and Hamas struggling following two years of war with Israel, some experts caution that a struggle among the Palestinians is now brewing as factions seek to fill the power vacuum left behind.
“Gaza is flooded with arms. Looters have stolen thousands of weapons and rounds of ammunition from Hamas stores during the war, and some groups have even received supplies from Israel,” a former Palestinian Authority security officer told the BBC on Monday.
“This is a perfect recipe for civil war: weapons, frustration, chaos, and a movement desperate to reassert control over a shattered and exhausted population.”
Hamas in a statement claimed that it was “imposing order and restoring security and stability following the cease-fire.”
However, Hamas claims that it is “restoring order” to Gaza, with the terrorist group posting statements to its official media website quoting a group dubbed “The Gaza City Families Gathering” supporting them for “enforcing order and protecting the lives and property of citizens.”
“Gaza will rise again, strong with the will of its people, and capable of restoring life despite all the attempts at confusion and disruption directed by the occupation,” the group said.
Phase two of the peace deal calls for the disarmament of Hamas, but so far, the terrorist group has rejected the idea, seeking further talks before taking next steps.
Stay up to date on the Israel-Hamas cease-fire exchange
Thousands of Palestinians have fought against Hamas throughout the war in Gaza, senior Israeli officials have told The Post.
Tensions have also been rising between Hamas and the Al Qaeda-linked Dughmush clan — one of Gaza’s most powerful factions that’s long been at odds with Hamas, the BBC reported.
At least 27 people died after intense street fighting broke out between Hamas terrorists and armed clan members in Gaza City near its Jordanian Hospital.
