According to a report by the BBC, the extremist group Hamas has once again taken significant control of the Gaza Strip, overseeing approximately 90% of the territories where it is present. A Gaza activist interviewed by the BBC indicated that Hamas is currently managing security, administrative services, and the judicial system in the region. However, the situation has reportedly been marked by violence, with actions taken against rival organizations leading to public executions in the streets, particularly after Israeli forces withdrew.

Hamas has instituted a system of taxation primarily targeting merchants, collecting fees that some residents find exorbitant. Consequently, there have been instances of assaults related to unpaid taxes, with Hamas utilizing the generated revenue to support its operations. Despite some indications that Hamas has expressed readiness to transfer its power to a new international authority, residents on the ground see little evidence of such a shift, noting instead a recent hiring surge within the organization to fill roles across various administrative sectors.

The implications of Hamas's continued governance in Gaza raise significant concerns about the humanitarian situation and the possibility of governance change in the region. The ongoing violence, coupled with economic strains due to heavy taxation, leads to a precarious living environment for residents. The claims of a potential transition of power, juxtaposed with the hiring spree, suggests that Hamas is solidifying its presence rather than relinquishing control, challenging any prospects for peace or stability in the near future.