Hamas reportedly reasserts presence in northern Gaza after significant reduction of IDF troops

Recent reports from Gazan civilians in the northern Gaza Strip indicate that Hamas is beginning to reassert its presence in Gaza City.

As Israel announced a shift in focus to the southern Gaza Strip, particularly the area of Khan Younis, the IDF also announced that it was drawing down the number of its troops in northern Gaza.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant noted in December that Hamas’ forces northern Gaza were “on the verge of being dismantled.”

However, as the IDF presence in the north has dwindled, and the IDF’s focus has shifted southward, there are signs that Hamas’ political wing is beginning to resume operations in the northern area of Gaza City.

According to a report from the Associated Press (AP), uniformed and plainclothes police officers from the Hamas-run municipal police force have been deployed in Gaza City near the police headquarters and Al-Shifa Hospital.

An anonymous official from Hamas told the AP that Hamas has resumed payments to police officers and other municipal officials and confirmed that the police were attempting to prevent the looting of shops and houses abandoned by residents fleeing to humanitarian safe zones in the south.

However, some Gaza residents claim the police are also rounding up residents who participated in recent anti-Hamas protests.

The return of Hamas representatives to the northern Gaza Strip indicates that Israel’s war on Hamas’ infrastructure has not destroyed the terror group's internal organization.

Dr. Michael Milstein, head of the Forum for Palestinian Studies at Tel Aviv University's Dayan Center, told N12 news that "while the overall picture is not entirely clear at the moment, there is growing evidence of the restoration of Hamas' presence and influence in northern Gaza."

Following its takeover of Gaza in 2007, Hamas divided its organization into governmental and military wings. Israel has primarily targeted infrastructure known to belong to the military wing but has also destroyed infrastructure associated with the civil government.

According to a report on Army Radio, the IDF will begin reinforcing its positions in the northern Gaza Strip, in response to attempts by Hamas to re-establish a military presence there.

IDF’s Southern Command chief, Maj.-Gen. Yaron Finkelman, recently told soldiers that the IDF has not abandoned the northern Strip.

“Our ability to operate here, in the heart of Gaza City again, after we left to attack in other areas, our ability to return here and operate powerfully against the important targets, while striking many dozens of terrorists in recent days, is an important ability, and we will continue to do it,” Finkelman told the troops.

The IDF maintains that most fighting in northern Gaza is being conducted by small terror cells operating independently, without a direct connection to Hamas leadership or instructions.