CAIRO/JERUSALEM: Hamas is cementing its hold over Gaza by placing loyalists in key government roles, collecting taxes and paying salaries, according to an Israeli military assessment seen by Reuters and sources in the Palestinian enclave. Hamas’ continuing influence over key Gaza power structures has fueled widespread skepticism about the prospects of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, which requires the militant group to give up its weapons in exchange for an Israeli military withdrawal from the territory.

Gazans say Hamas is again extending its control over security, tax revenue and government services.

A Military Assessment Presented to Netanyahu in Late January Is Said to Show Hamas Is Taking Over Gaza's Government Ministries. Hamas Says the Appointments Are Temporary and…

CAIRO/JERUSALEM: Hamas is cementing its hold over Gaza by placing loyalists in key government roles, collecting taxes and paying salaries, according to an Israeli military…

GAZA CITY, Palestinian Territories: Hamas has reasserted control over large parts of Gaza from which the Israeli military withdrew under the US-sponsored ceasefire, exercising…