The withdrawal of thousands of Israeli troops from diverse areas in Gaza has enabled displaced Palestinians to return to their homes in the northern territories of the enclave.
Israel’s military said earlier that it was withdrawing thousands of forces from Gaza, in the first significant troop pullback since the devastating war began nearly three months ago.
This has permitted the security apparatus affiliated with Hamas to operate in these areas for the purpose of maintaining security.
Despite the Israeli narrative regarding the destruction of the Hamas movement and its capabilities, including the dismantling of its authority, the Israeli withdrawal quickly facilitated the deployment of Hamas security elements.
This included police, intelligence, and other security agencies, to regulate security and the prices of goods available in the markets. Traders had significantly inflated prices.
A member of the Hamas police force in Gaza, who requested anonymity, mentioned that immediately after the withdrawal from the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood north of Gaza, rapid orders were issued for deployment in the streets.
Officers in civilian attire were deployed to prevent any thefts from homes and to control prices of goods being sold in front of shelters, said the member.
An Asharq Al-Awsat correspondent in Gaza confirmed the deployment.
Hamas officers, some of whom were masked and carrying light weapons, questioned drivers of certain vehicles about their possessions and inquired about their movements.
Some even instructed vendors to lower prices of certain goods, such as rice and lentils, to avoid penalties.
The deployment serves as an indicator that leadership and control remain in the hands of Hamas in certain areas in northern Gaza, contrary to Israel’s assertions.
While some displaced individuals have returned, others in Gaza and the north are awaiting the withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from areas they still occupy.
However, those who have migrated south face helplessness and powerlessness, as they know nothing about their homes, and the withdrawals do not allow them to return and inspect them.
Israel prohibits all those who have moved south from returning to the north.
