Hamas violently suppresses rival factions

Kazakh International News Agency report: According to the Lianzao Daily website, after the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas came into effect, Hamas seems to have received tacit approval from the United States, temporarily responsible for maintaining security in the Gaza Strip. Reports indicate that weakened Hamas has launched violent suppression against other local factions to reconsolidate control, resulting in at least 33 deaths.

Reuters cited two security sources in Gaza, reporting that since the ceasefire took effect on Friday, October 10, Hamas has deployed armed personnel on the streets, but with caution to prevent the ceasefire arrangement from breaking down. After releasing the last batch of surviving Israeli hostages on Monday, the 13th, Hamas further deployed its affiliated armed faction, the Qassam Brigades, to control the Gaza Strip.

Sources revealed that in recent days, a gang related to a family in Gaza City had 32 members killed by Hamas, and six Hamas members also died. It is reported that an aide of the main faction leader opposing Hamas in the southern Gaza city of Rafah was also killed by Hamas.

A video reportedly shot in Gaza on Monday circulated on social media, showing several masked armed personnel forcing at least seven people to kneel on the street, then firing machine guns at them; some of the shooters wore green headscarves similar to those of Hamas members.

The latest developments once again indicate that President Trump's peace plan, which aims to disarm Hamas, faces major challenges.

According to this 20-point peace plan, Hamas will lose control over Gaza and must surrender arms to achieve de-militarization of Gaza, which would be managed by a Palestinian committee under international supervision. The plan also proposes deploying an international stability mission to train and support the Palestinian police force.

However, Trump implied that the United States tacitly allows Hamas to temporarily maintain security in Gaza.

On Monday, while traveling to the Middle East on a private jet, when asked by accompanying reporters whether Hamas was suppressing opponents and establishing a police force on its own, he responded, "They do want to stop the problems, and they have been very honest about it, and we have given them some time to do so."

Palestinian analyst Oda believes that Hamas' actions aim to deter groups that cooperated with Israel during the war. Hamas also hopes to secure a position in Gaza, allowing its security officials to enter the future government in Gaza, although this is firmly opposed by Israel.

Former U.S. national official McGee said that how Hamas uses the ceasefire window to gain benefits is one of the biggest issues facing the Israel-Hamas agreement.

McGee served as a high-ranking official responsible for national security affairs in the administrations of several U.S. presidents, including during Trump's first term, and participated in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire negotiations. He wrote an article on CNN on Monday, stating that during the previous hostage agreement, Hamas used the opportunity to consolidate control over Gaza by killing opponents, undermining the chance to convert the temporary ceasefire into a long-term truce.

This time, Hamas appears to be repeating the same tactics, but there is little space left for it. The new agreement allows the Israeli military to occupy half of the Gaza area, and the agreement, which has the support of almost all Arab and Muslim countries, calls for Hamas to disarm.

McGee emphasized, "If the entire Gaza region is to be restored and rebuilt, Hamas must fully accept the agreement and give up its show of strength in Gaza."

He pointed out that another two key factors for the success or failure of the peace plan are whether Gaza can establish a political and security framework during the transition period, and whether there is a feasible reconstruction plan.

If a temporary security force and political structure cannot be established in Gaza, "Hamas may eventually rebuild power through force, which would shatter the hope of achieving long-term peace or recovery in Gaza."

As for the reconstruction of Gaza, it will take 10 years or more, with estimated costs reaching tens of billions of dollars. McGee pointed out that this will rely on global coordination led by the United States, including the massive resources of U.S. regional allies, and the participation of Palestinians not aligned with Hamas.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1845969411791882/

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